ably

adverb

ˈā-b(ə-)lē 

: in an able and skillful manner : with ability, skill, or proficiency

was ably assisted

This silly comic Christmas romp is ably performed by a cast of 22 actors, led by the high-spirited Danny McBride as the childlike Buddy.

—Matthew Yde

Last year, she ably completed a half-marathon run with only minimal training.

—Zachary Lewis

Synonyms

• adeptly
• adroitly
• artfully
• capably
• competently
• consummately
• deftly
• expertly
• masterfully
• masterly
• proficiently
• skillfully
• well

Examples of ably in a Sentence

ably maneuvered the boat up to the dock

Recent Examples on the Web

Manel ably conveys both Gaspard’s palpable suffering and his innocent, wide-eyed optimism. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 17 June 2024

Hale and Lapira ably step in for Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling as Fear and Disgust, respectively. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 June 2024

On the other hand, the Fleishman finale is a beautiful piece of writing adapted ably for the screen by Brodesser-Akner, who wrote the novel. —Jen Chaney, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2024

There are some attractive choral effects in Michael Weiner and Zoe Sarnak’s score, with a strong voice cast ably supported by Robert Sinha’s eight pit musicians. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 17 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ably

adverb

ˈā-blē

: in an able manner