Abled

/ˈeɪbəld/ adjective

Definition

Having the physical or mental capacity to perform tasks; possessing ability or skills (often used as an opposite to 'disabled').

Etymology

From 'able' (adjective, from Latin 'habilis' meaning 'easily handled') + suffix '-ed.' Modern usage, often in compound forms like 'differently-abled' or 'otherwise-abled.'

Kelly Says

The term 'abled' is actually quite recent and reflects how society thinks about disability—it suggests that having abilities is the neutral default rather than having a condition to describe.

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