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capacité

capacity, ability

noun ka-pa-see-TAY Less Common
Mind & Emotions Personality

Origin: Latin 'capacitas' (ability to hold)

Also means

capability, volume

Usage Note

Capacité covers both physical capacity (la capacité d'un réservoir = 'the tank's capacity') and personal ability (avoir la capacité de faire). Capacités in the plural often refers to one's skills or aptitudes. The adjective capable and the noun incapacité ('incapacity') share the same root.

Examples

"Il a la capacité de résoudre des problèmes."

Natural Translation

He has the ability to solve problems.

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