Adjective

(en adjective)

Able and efficient; having the ability needed for a specific task; having the disposition to do something; permitting or being susceptible to something.

She is capable and efficient.

He does not need help; he is capable of eating on his own.

As everyone knew, he was capable of violence when roused.

That fact is not capable of proof.

(obsolete) Of sufficient capacity or size for holding, containing, receiving or taking in. Construed with of'', ''for or an infinitive.

* 1775 Samuel Johnson, A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland'' (''Works 10.479):

He has begun a road capable of a wheel-carriage.

Adjective

(er)

Prepared for immediate action or use.

:

*(John Milton) (1608-1674)

*:If need be, I am ready to forego / And quit.

*(Henry Fielding) (1707-1754)

*:Dinner was ready .

Inclined; apt to happen.

Liable at any moment.

:

*(William Shakespeare) (1564-1616)

*:My heart is ready to crack.

Not slow or hesitating; quick in action or perception of any kind; dexterous; prompt; easy; expert.

:

*Sir (Walter Scott) (1771-1832)

*:whose temper was ready , through surly

* (1800-1859)

*:ready in devising expedients

*

*:Molly the dairymaid came a little way from the rickyard, and said she would pluck the pigeon that very night after work. She was always ready to do anything for us boys; and we could never quite make out why they scolded her so for an idle hussy indoors. It seemed so unjust. Looking back, I recollect she had very beautiful brown eyes.

*{{quote-magazine, date=2013-08-10, volume=408, issue=8848, magazine=(The Economist), author=Lexington

, title= Keeping the mighty honest , passage=The [Washington] Post's proprietor through those turbulent [Watergate] days, Katharine Graham, held a double place in Washington’s hierarchy: at once regal Georgetown hostess and scrappy newshound, ready to hold the establishment to account.}}

Offering itself at once; at hand; opportune; convenient.

*(John Milton) (1608-1674)

*:the readiest way

*(John Dryden) (1631-1700)

*:A sapling pine he wrenched from out the ground, / The readiest weapon that his fury found.