Ability

Etymology

Middle English abilite, from Anglo-French, from Latin habilitat-, habilitas, from habilis apt, skillful

• Date: 14th century

Definitions

• 1 a : the quality or state of being able <ability of the soil to hold water>; especially : physical, mental, or legal power to perform

b : competence in doing : skill

• 2 : natural aptitude or acquired proficiency <children whose abilities warrant higher education>

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Description

An aptitude is an innate, acquired or learned or developed component of a competency (the others being knowledge, understanding and attitude) to do a certain kind of work at a certain level. Aptitudes may be physical or mental. The innate nature of aptitude is in contrast to achievement, which represents knowledge or ability that is gained.[1]