Capability and ability are two words in the English language that, while appearing to have similar meanings, are not synonymous. This article aims to examine the differences between these two terms.
Ability refers to a person’s innate qualities or competencies, which make them suitable for certain skills and tasks. Abilities are often the result of a person’s genetic makeup, which is why some individuals are naturally good at specific activities, such as computer programming, physical sports, or languages. Ability is something that a person either possesses or lacks.
Capability, on the other hand, is more about a person’s potential for future development in a particular field. This term often places a cap on a person’s ability, as it refers to the limit of their current skill level. For example, a weightlifter may have the ability to lift weights, but their capability might be limited to lifting up to a certain weight. Capability is also used to assess a person’s potential, such as in the case of a young child showing early signs of talent in a specific area.
Key Takeaways
- Ability refers to a person’s innate qualities or competencies, while capability is more about their potential for future development.
- Ability is something that a person either possesses or lacks, whereas capability often places a cap on a person’s skill level.
- Capability is used to assess a person’s potential in a particular field, especially when considering their future development.
