Ability vs Capability vs Competence

Quando usar cada um em inglês, com significado, registro e exemplos.

Ability

Top 1000 (muito comum)A2noun

Capability

Top 2000 (comum)C1noun

Competence

Top 2000 (comum)C1noun
Mais comum: Ability
 AbilityCapabilityCompetence
Pronúncia🇬🇧 /["/əˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈbɪləti/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒmpɪtəns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːmpɪtəns/"]/
SignificadoThe skill to do something.The ability to do something.the ability to do something well
ExemploShe 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.
RegistroNeutroNeutroNeutro
Quão comumTop 1000 (muito comum)Top 2000 (comum)Top 2000 (comum)
Nível CEFRA2C1C1
Classe gramaticalnounnounnoun
Colocaçõesexceptional, 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 competence
Antônimosinability, ineptnessincapability, inabilityincompetence, ineptitude
Erros comunsConfused 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'.
Notas de usoUse '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.

Perguntas frequentes: Ability vs Capability vs Competence

Qual é a diferença entre Ability, Capability e Competence?

Ability: The skill to do something. Capability: The ability to do something. Competence: the ability to do something well

Qual é mais comum: Ability, Capability e Competence?

Ability é a mais comum no inglês do dia a dia.

Ability, Capability e Competence estão no mesmo nível CEFR?

Ability: A2, Capability: C1, Competence: C1 na escala CEFR.

Que classe gramatical são Ability, Capability e Competence?

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

Pode mostrar um exemplo de cada?

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.

Posso usar Ability, Capability e Competence de forma intercambiável?

Nem sempre. Ability, Capability e Competence são relacionadas e às vezes se sobrepõem, mas diferem em registro, frequência e uso, então trocar uma pela outra pode mudar o sentido ou o tom. Veja as diferenças acima antes de substituir.

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