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Definition of enable verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

enable

verb
 
/ɪˈneɪbl/
 
/ɪˈneɪbl/
Verb Forms
present simple I / you / we / they enable
 
/ɪˈneɪbl/
 
/ɪˈneɪbl/
he / she / it enables
 
/ɪˈneɪblz/
 
/ɪˈneɪblz/
past simple enabled
 
/ɪˈneɪbld/
 
/ɪˈneɪbld/
past participle enabled
 
/ɪˈneɪbld/
 
/ɪˈneɪbld/
-ing form enabling
 
/ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/
 
/ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/
jump to other results
  1. enable somebody/something to do something to make it possible for somebody/something to do something synonym allow
    • This new programme will enable older people to study at college.
    • This approach enables the company to focus on its core business.
    • Insulin enables the body to use and store sugar.
    • The tool enables users to test their computer's exposure to a wide range of online threats.
    Extra Examples
    • His desire is to enable all students to achieve their musical potential.
    • The app enables you to create your own designs and share them with friends.
    • The price cut would enable the government to reduce power bills.
  2. enable something to make it possible for something to happen or exist by creating the necessary conditions synonym allow
    • a new train line to enable easier access to the stadium
    Language Bank processprocessDescribing a process
      • This diagram illustrates the process of paper-making.
      • This diagram shows how paper is made.
      • First/First of all, logs are delivered to a paper mill, where the bark is removed and the wood is cut into small chips.
      • Next/Second, the wood chips are pulped, either using chemicals or in a pulping machine.
      • Pulping breaks down the internal structure of the wood and enables/allows the natural oils to be removed.
      • Once/After the wood has been pulped, the pulp is bleached in order to remove impurities. /…is bleached so that impurities can be removed.
      • The next stage is to feed the pulp into the paper machine, where it is mixed with water and then poured onto a wire conveyor belt.
      • As the pulp travels along the conveyor belt, the water drains away. This causes the solid material to sink to the bottom, forming a layer of paper.
      • At this point the new paper is still wet, so it is passed between large heated rollers, which press out the remaining water and simultaneously dry the paper/…dry the paper at the same time.
      • The final stage is to wind the paper onto large rolls.
      • Finally, the paper is wound onto large rolls.
    Extra Examples
    • The irrigation scheme has enabled the development of many small farms.
    • Many types of spyware enable the creation of databases of email addresses.
    • This information enables the comparison of the performance of leading companies in the sector.
  3. enable something (computing) to make a system, device or feature ready to use
    • To enable this feature, go to Account Settings and click ‘Security’.
  4. Word Originlate Middle English (formerly also as inable): from en-, in-, + able.
See enable in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee enable in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
dizzy
adjective
 
 
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