Ability vs Capability vs Competence vs Skill

Quand utiliser chacun en anglais, avec le sens, le registre et des exemples.

Ability

Top 1000 (très courant)A2noun

Capability

Top 2000 (courant)C1noun

Competence

Top 2000 (courant)C1noun

Skill

Top 1000 (très courant)A1noun
 AbilityCapabilityCompetenceSkill
Prononciation🇬🇧 /["/əˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈbɪləti/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒmpɪtəns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːmpɪtəns/"]/🇬🇧 /["/skɪl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/skɪl/"]/
SensThe skill to do something.The ability to do something.the ability to do something wellThe ability to do something well, usually because of training or practice.
ExempleShe has the ability to learn new languages quickly.Her capability as a leader impressed everyone at the meeting.Her competence in multiple languages impresses her colleagues.He has a skill for painting that impresses everyone.
RegistreNeutreNeutreNeutreNeutre
FréquenceTop 1000 (très courant)Top 2000 (courant)Top 2000 (courant)Top 1000 (très courant)
Niveau CEFRA2C1C1A1
Nature grammaticalenounnounnounnoun
Collocationsexceptional, extraordinary, great, level, have, possess, retain, ability in, to the best of your ability, high, limited, low, assess, measure, test, level, range, a range of ability, a range of abilitiesadvanced, 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 forgreat, basic, academic, have, demonstrate, display, beyond somebody’s competence, within somebody’s competence, competence as, a level of competence, a standard of competence, formal, exclusive, have, outside somebody/​something’s competence, within somebody/​something’s competence, an area of competenceconsiderable, consummate, extraordinary, range, set, have, possess, combine, level, set, acquisition, with skill, skill as, skill at, a degree of skill, a level of skill, a lack of skill, considerable, consummate, extraordinary, range, set, have, possess, combine, level, set, acquisition, with skill, skill as, skill at, a degree of skill, a level of skill, a lack of skill
Antonymesinability, ineptnessincapability, inabilityincompetence, ineptitudeinability, ignorance
Erreurs fréquentesConfused with 'capability' — 'ability' refers to a skill, while 'capability' refers to the potential to develop a skill., Using 'ability' without a verb or context can make sentences unclear., Incorrectly pluralizing as 'abilities' when referring to a single skill.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 'competency'; both refer to abilities but 'competence' is broader., Misused as a verb; 'competence' is always a noun., Spelling errors, especially with the second 'e'.Confused with 'ability' — skill usually implies training or practice., Used as a verb incorrectly — skill is a noun.
Notes d'usageUse 'ability' in contexts where referring to someone's skills or talents. Avoid it in very casual conversations where simpler words like 'skill' may be more appropriate.Use 'capability' in professional or academic contexts to discuss skills or potential. It's not commonly used in casual conversations.Use 'competence' in contexts such as job skills or educational achievements. Avoid in very casual conversations; prefer 'skill' or 'ability' instead.Use 'skill' to talk about abilities in various contexts, from sports to arts. Avoid using it in very informal settings where simpler terms like 'talent' might fit better.

Questions fréquentes : Ability vs Capability vs Competence vs Skill

Quelle est la différence entre Ability, Capability, Competence et Skill ?

Ability: The skill to do something. Capability: The ability to do something. Competence: the ability to do something well Skill: The ability to do something well, usually because of training or practice.

Ability, Capability, Competence et Skill sont-ils au même niveau CEFR ?

Ability: A2, Capability: C1, Competence: C1, Skill: A1 sur l'échelle CEFR.

Quelle est la nature grammaticale de Ability, Capability, Competence et Skill ?

Ability: noun, Capability: noun, Competence: noun, Skill: noun.

Peux-tu montrer un exemple de chacun ?

Ability: She has the ability to learn new languages quickly. Capability: Her capability as a leader impressed everyone at the meeting. Competence: Her competence in multiple languages impresses her colleagues. Skill: He has a skill for painting that impresses everyone.

Puis-je utiliser Ability, Capability, Competence et Skill de façon interchangeable ?

Pas toujours. Ability, Capability, Competence et Skill sont proches et se recoupent parfois, mais elles diffèrent par le registre, la fréquence et l'usage, donc remplacer l'une par l'autre peut changer le sens ou le ton. Regarde les différences ci-dessus avant de substituer.

Comparaisons associées