Ability, Capability, Capacity, Power
These four words are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but they have distinct meanings, especially in professional or technical contexts. Here’s a breakdown of the differences.
Ability
Ability means the power or skill to do something. It is the the capacity or skill to perform an action.
- A cheetah's ability to run at 70 miles per hour is an innate physical capacity.
- He has ability to speak English.
Capability
Capability means the ability or qualities necessary to do something.
- Our government should increase its military capability.
- He has the capability to become a very fine actress.
Capacity
Capacity means the ability to understand or to do something.
- I have an enormous capacity for hard work.
Power
Power means the ability to control people or other things.
- The aim is to give people more power over their own lives.
- Religion is rapidly losing its power.
Difference between Ability, Capability, Capacity, Power:-
Ability
Ability is a current, demonstrable capacity to perform a specific task, built on natural talent or developed skill. In other words, it is a skill or talent someone currently possesses. It's about being able to perform a specific task now.
- Ability encompasses both innate talent and developed skill.
- The actor has the ability to perform his own stunts.
Capability
Capability is the future-oriented power to achieve something. It represents a higher-level potential that combines existing abilities with the capacity to develop new ones. Unlike a skill you have now, it is the range of what you could possibly do if given the right resources, training, or circumstances.
In short words, capability is future potential. It is the power to achieve something, but it requires training, tools, or the right situation to become real.
- Our Air Force has the capability to strike a target in another country
Capacity
Capacity is the maximum limit of what can be contained, produced, or handled. It is the maximum amount that can be produced held, or handled. It's s measure of quantity or volume.
- The stadium has a capacity of 50,000 spectators.
- The gas tank has a capacity of 15 gallons.
Power
Power is the force or authority to act and create change. It is the ability to produce an effect with strength, control, or influence. Unlike mere ability (which is about skill), power is about the force behind the action. It implies authority, control, or raw force. You can have the ability and capability to do something, but not the power (permission) to do it.
In other words, power is the dynamic force—whether physical, political, or mechanical—that makes things happen.
In a nutshell
Ability is a present skill.
Capability is a future or conditional potential.
Capacity is about the volume of work you can handle.
Power is the authority, force, or control to do something.
Books on Grammar:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Appreciate Vocabeasy By Your Valuable Comments