Word of the Day

 

Habile

 

Pronunciation

[HA-bəl]

 

Popularity Over Time

Part of speech

Adjective

 

Origin

Latin, 15th century

 

Definition(s)
  1. Deft.
  2. Skillful.

 

Usage over time

Used in a sentence
  1. She whipped up a tasty dinner with just a few habile steps.
  2. The habile seamstress was in high demand for wedding dress alterations.

 

About the Word

In Latin, "habilis" means something is easily handled. The French word "habile" means skillful, and we kept that definition in Middle English as well. Able is the more common word today, but habile remains a particularly skillful word.

 

Did you know?

In today's parlance, you're more likely to use the word able rather than habile. The pronunciations are somewhat similar, and the meanings are close. Able implies you have at least the basic ability to do something. But to be habile is to be quite talented.

 

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Courtesy of Wordgenius.com