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Sufficient vs Capable - What's the difference?

sufficient | capable | Related terms |

Sufficient is a related term of capable.


As adjectives the difference between sufficient and capable

is that sufficient is equal to the end proposed; adequate to wants; enough; ample; competent; as, while 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 determiner sufficient

is the smallest amount needed.

sufficient

English

(Webster 1913)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Equal to the end proposed; adequate to wants; enough; ample; competent; as,
    • We have provision sufficient for the family
    This army is sufficient to defend the country.
    There is not sufficient access to the internet in the some small country villages.
  • Possessing adequate talents or accomplishments; of competent power or ability; qualified; fit.
    • A two-week training course is sufficient to get a job in the coach-driving profession.
  • (archaic) Capable of meeting obligations; responsible.
  • * 1668 , (Samuel Pepys), December 23 1668
    • ...to take the best ways we can, to make it known to the Duke of York; for, till Sir J. Minnes be removed, and a sufficient man brought into W. Pen's place, when he is gone, it is impossible for this Office ever to support itself.
  • self-sufficient; self-satisfied; content.

    • Derived terms

    * self-sufficient * sufficiency * sufficiently

    Related terms

    * suffice

    See also

    * adequate * ample * enough * plenty

    Determiner

    (en determiner)
  • The smallest amount needed.
    • Sufficient of us are against this idea that we should stop now.

    Statistics

    *

    External links

    * * * ----

    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

    * ----