Advertisement
Entries linking to enable
en- (1)word-forming element meaning "in; into," from French and Old French en-, from Latin in- "in, into" (from PIE root *en "in"). Typically assimilated before -p-, -b-, -m-, -l-, and -r-. Latin in- became en- in French, Spanish, Portuguese, but remained in- in Italian.
Also used with native and imported elements to form verbs from nouns and adjectives, with a sense "put in or on" (encircle), also "cause to be, make into" (endear), and used as an intensive (enclose). Spelling variants in French that were brought over into Middle English account for parallels such as ensure/insure, and most en- words in English had at one time or another a variant in in-, and vice versa.
Also used with native and imported elements to form verbs from nouns and adjectives, with a sense "put in or on" (encircle), also "cause to be, make into" (endear), and used as an intensive (enclose). Spelling variants in French that were brought over into Middle English account for parallels such as ensure/insure, and most en- words in English had at one time or another a variant in in-, and vice versa.
able (adj.)
"having sufficient power or means," early 14c., from Old French (h)able "capable; fitting, suitable; agile, nimble" (14c.), from Latin habilem, habilis "easily handled, apt," verbal adjective from habere "to hold" (from PIE root *ghabh- "to give or receive").
"Easy to be held," hence "fit for a purpose." The silent h- was dropped in English and resisted academic attempts to restore it 16c.-17c. (see H), but some derivatives (such as habiliment, habilitate) acquired it via French. Able seaman, one able to do any sort of work required on a ship, may be the origin of this:
Able-whackets - A popular sea-game with cards, in which the loser is beaten over the palms of the hands with a handkerchief tightly twisted like a rope. Very popular with horny-fisted sailors. [Smyth, "Sailor's Word-Book," 1867]
Share enable
‘cite’
Page URL:
https://www.etymonline.com/word/enable
HTML Link:
<a href="https://www.etymonline.com/word/enable">Etymology of enable by etymonline</a>
APA style:
Harper, D. (n.d.). Etymology of enable. Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved $(datetime), from https://www.etymonline.com/word/enable
Chicago style:
Harper Douglas, “Etymology of enable,” Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed $(datetime), https://www.etymonline.com/word/enable.
MLA style:
Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of enable.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/enable. Accessed $(datetimeMla).
IEEE style:
D. Harper. “Etymology of enable.” Online Etymology Dictionary. https://www.etymonline.com/word/enable (accessed $(datetime)).
Advertisement
Advertisement
Definitions of enable
enable (v.)
render capable or able for some task;
The rope enables you to secure yourself when you climb the mountain
This skill will enable you to find a job on Wall Street
