Definify.com
Definition 2024
-ability
-ability
See also: ability
English
Alternative forms
Suffix
-ability
- Forms a noun from a verb; ability, inclination or suitability for a specified function or condition.
Usage notes
- Most words ending in "ability" formed in English are first attested after corresponding words ending in -able.
- Note that this is not simply -able + -ity: in English it is a parallel formation, not a compound suffix: there is a sound and spelling change. Compare -ably (compound suffix) and -ification (parallel suffix).
- Some words ending in "ability" are alterations of words of French origin ending in "abilité" or, possibly, Latin words ending in "abilitas".
Derived terms
<a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:English_words_suffixed_with_-ability'>English words suffixed with -ability</a>
terms derived using -ability
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Related terms
other terms ending in "ability"
Translations
Forms a noun from a verb
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