Learner's definition of ABLE
1 not used before a noun
a : having the power, skill, money, etc., that is needed to do something能，能够（指具备足够的能力、技能、金钱等） —
usually followed by to + verb通常接动词不定式 -
He will buy a new car as soon as he is able to do so.等条件允许他就会买辆新车。
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Is he able to swim? [=can he swim?]他会游泳吗？
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They weren't able to afford a vacation. [=they were unable to afford a vacation]他们负担不起度假的费用
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I was so tired that I was barely/hardly able to get out of bed.我累坏了，几乎起不了床。
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A weight lifter is able to lift [=can lift] a very heavy weight.举重运动员能举起很重的重量。
b : not prevented from doing something : having the freedom or opportunity to do something可以；有机会 —
usually followed by to + verb通常接动词不定式 c —
used to say that the quality or condition of something makes something possible（质量或条件）使有可能 2
[also more able; most able] abler; ablest : having skill or talent有能力的；有技能的；有天赋的