Enable
Definitions and Meaning in English
- To make something possible or give the means or ability to do something.
- To provide the tools, resources, or conditions necessary for a task or action to be carried out.
- To empower or authorize someone to take action or perform a task.
- To allow or permit a particular function, process, or behavior to take place.
History and Origin
The word “enable” comes from the Old French enabler, meaning “to make able,” derived from the Latin in- (in, within) and habilis (able, capable). The term entered the English language in the late Middle Ages and has been used to denote the action of making something or someone capable of doing something. Over time, its usage expanded beyond physical ability to encompass empowering or facilitating actions, often in technological or functional contexts.
Detailed Explanation
“Enable” refers to the act of making something possible or providing the necessary tools, resources, or circumstances for something to occur. It often implies giving permission or the ability to perform a task that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. In a broader sense, enabling can also mean facilitating actions, supporting people to achieve their goals, or making processes more efficient or accessible. For example, a teacher enables students to learn by providing resources, or technology enables people to communicate across the world. In some contexts, it may also involve authorizing actions or allowing particular functions to be carried out.
Example Sentences
- The new software update will enable users to access additional features.
- The teacher’s guidance enabled the students to complete the project successfully.
- This technology enables faster communication across long distances.
- The grant will enable the researchers to conduct further experiments.
- The manager enabled the team to work more efficiently by streamlining the workflow.
- His courage and determination enabled him to overcome the challenges.
- The new law enables citizens to express their concerns more freely.
- The upgrade will enable the system to support more users at the same time.
- The volunteer’s assistance enabled the elderly woman to live independently.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Empower – To give someone the authority or power to do something.
- Facilitate – To make a process or task easier or more efficient.
- Allow – To permit or give permission for something to occur.
- Authorize – To give official permission or approval for an action.
- Equip – To provide the necessary tools, skills, or resources to perform a task.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Capability – The ability or potential to perform a specific task or function.
- Resource – A supply or tool that helps enable or facilitate a particular action.
- Support – To provide assistance or help, making it easier to accomplish something.
- Permission – The approval or consent needed to do something.
- Activation – The process of enabling a system or function to start working.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Inspire – To motivate or encourage someone to take action or achieve something.
- Motivate – To provide the drive or reason to do something.
- Encourage – To give support, confidence, or hope, enabling someone to act.
- Grant – To give or allow something, often as an official permission or privilege.
- Make possible – To create the conditions or circumstances that allow something to occur.
Antonyms
- Disable
- Hinder
- Restrict
- Prevent
- Prohibit