Capable, a.
Etymology: [F. capable, LL. capabilis capacious, capable, fr. L. caper to take, contain. See Heave.]
1. Possessing ability, qualification, or susceptibility; having capacity; of sufficient size or strength; as, a room capable of holding a large number; a castle capable of resisting a long assault. Concious of jou and capable of pain. Prior.
2. Possessing adequate power; qualified; able; fully competent; as, a capable instructor; a capable judge; a mind capable of nice investigations. More capable to discourse of battles than to give them. Motley.
3. Possessing legal power or capacity; as, a man capable of making a contract, or a will.
4. Capacious; large; comprehensive. [Obs.] Shak.
2 more senses
Note: Capable is usually followed by of, sometimes by an infinitive.
Syn. -- Able; competent; qualified; fitted; efficient; effective; skillful.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for capable; he lists it under adequate, clever.
Where he writes about it:
Able and capable suggest general ability and reserved power, able being the higher word of the two. — from adequate
A capable man will come up to any ordinary demand. — from adequate
We say an able orator, a capable accountant. — from adequate