Cool MateCapability vs Powers
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Capability
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Powers
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: Powers
| Capability | Powers | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈpaʊəz//🇺🇸 //ˈpaʊərz// |
| Meaning | The ability to do something. | The ability to do something or control something. |
| Example | Her capability as a leader impressed everyone at the meeting. | The government has the powers to implement new laws. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | advanced, enhanced, limited, demonstrate, have, possess, beyond somebody’s capability, within somebody’s capability, capability for, advanced, enhanced, limited, demonstrate, have, possess, beyond somebody’s capability, within somebody’s capability, capability for | abuse powers, exercise powers, transfer powers |
| Antonyms | incapability, inability | weakness, impotence |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'capacity' which refers to volume or quantity., Using it as a verb instead of a noun., Misplacing the emphasis in pronunciation. | Confused with 'power' as a singular form., Misused in phrases without proper context., Incorrectly used with plural verbs. |
| Usage notes | Use 'capability' in professional or academic contexts to discuss skills or potential. It's not commonly used in casual conversations. | Used in various contexts including politics, science, and personal abilities. Not usually used in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Capability vs Powers
What's the difference between Capability and Powers?
Capability: The ability to do something. Powers: The ability to do something or control something.
Which is more common: Capability and Powers?
Powers is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Capability: Her capability as a leader impressed everyone at the meeting. Powers: The government has the powers to implement new laws.
Can I use Capability and Powers interchangeably?
Not always. Capability and Powers are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.