\A*bil"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Abilities}. [F. habilet['e],
earlier spelling habilit['e] (with silent h), L. habilitas
aptitude, ability, fr. habilis apt. See {Able}.]
The quality or state of being able; power to perform, whether
physical, moral, intellectual, conventional, or legal;
capacity; skill or competence in doing; sufficiency of
strength, skill, resources, etc.; -- in the plural, faculty,
talent.
      Then the disciples, every man according to his ability,
      determined to send relief unto the brethren. --Acts xi.
                                               29.
      Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need
      pruning by study.                        --Bacon.
      The public men of England, with much of a peculiar kind
      of ability.                              --Macaulay.
Syn: Capacity; talent; cleverness; faculty; capability;
     efficiency; aptitude; aptness; address; dexterity;
     skill.
Usage: {Ability}, {Capacity}. These words come into
       comparison when applied to the higher intellectual
       powers. Ability has reference to the active exercise
       of our faculties. It implies not only native vigor of
       mind, but that ease and promptitude of execution which
       arise from mental training. Thus, we speak of the
       ability with which a book is written, an argument
       maintained, a negotiation carried on, etc. It always
       something to be done, and the power of doing it.
       Capacity has reference to the receptive powers. In its
       higher exercises it supposes great quickness of
       apprehension and breadth of intellect, with an
       uncommon aptitude for acquiring and retaining
       knowledge. Hence it carries with it the idea of
       resources and undeveloped power. Thus we speak of the
       extraordinary capacity of such men as Lord Bacon,
       Blaise Pascal, and Edmund Burke. ``Capacity,'' says H.
       Taylor, ``is requisite to devise, and ability to
       execute, a great enterprise.'' The word abilities, in
       the plural, embraces both these qualities, and denotes
       high mental endowments.