capacity

Definitions

From capere ('hold, take') + -ity (state). Capacity is fundamentally 'how much something can hold.' That branches three ways: physical volume (a tank's capacity), mental power (capacity to learn — how much your mind can 'hold'), and even a role (in his capacity as chairman — the position he 'holds').

Why It Means This

One container metaphor explains everything. A stadium's capacity is how many people fit inside. Your capacity to forgive is how much forgiveness you can 'hold.' And 'in his capacity as judge' uses the same idea of a role you occupy and fill — the position is a kind of container you step into. Spot the link to capacious (roomy) and capable (able to take on).

Common Collocations

• 1.full capacity满负荷
• 2.seating capacity座位容量
• 3.storage capacity存储容量
• 4.in the capacity of以……身份
• 5.capacity to做……的能力

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The theater has a seating capacity of two thousand.

• 2.

  Children have an amazing capacity for learning languages.

• 3.

  She attended the meeting in her capacity as treasurer.

• 4.

  The factory is now running at full capacity.

Easily Confused

capacity vs ability — both mean 'power to do,' but capacity stresses the maximum a person/thing can hold or take on (capacity for love, full capacity), while ability is the practical skill to actually do it (the ability to swim). A machine has a capacity; a person demonstrates an ability.

Synonym Comparison