"ability" or "capability"?

[Mehrgan]

Hi,

Is there any distinction between the two words? Could they be used instead of each other?


Many thanks in advance.

 

[Barb_D]

I've heard people debate this and have never heard a distinction that makes much sense to me. You'll see "ability" as part of the definition of "capability."


Some say that "ability" refers to a physical or mental skill. She has the ability to recall with 100% accuracy a conversation that took place a week ago. He has the ability to lift 1000 pounds.

 

[Atchan]

Capability:
the quality of being capable; practical ability

Ability:
1. a being able; power to do (something physical or mental)
2. skill, expertness, or talent

 

[philadelphia]

*Not a teacher

The capability implies a will, a can-do, to have guts while the ability is just a matter of facts.

You've got good abilities at writing but do you have the capability to perform a novel? ;-)

EDIT: We have a game for children and sometimes for teenagers and olders, which is called "cap' or not cap'". Eg You eat that chilli at once, cap' or not cap'?

 

[chester_100]

Hi,

Is there any distinction between the two words? Could they be used instead of each other?


Many thanks in advance.

Capability carries a sense that doesn't seem to be conveyed by ability:

Potentiality; capacity for development.

-Malleable: capable of being shaped
-Breakable: capable of being broken