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Capable vs Handy - What's the difference?

capable | handy | Related terms |

Capable is a related term of handy.


As an adjective capable

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

As a noun handy is

tail.

capable

English

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.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * incapable

    Derived terms

    * capability noun

    References

    *

    Anagrams

    * ----

    handy

    English

    Adjective

    (er)
  • Easy to use, useful.
    • Some people regard duct tape as a handy fix-all .
  • Nearby, within reach.
    • You wouldn’t have a screwdriver handy , would you ?
  • (dialect) dexterous, skilful
    • She's very handy - she made all her own kitchen cupboards.

    Synonyms

    * (useful) * (nearby) at hand * (skilful) crafty

    References

    * * * ----