What is capacity? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "capacity" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Capacity as Ability or Potential (Most Common)

• Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. It refers to the ability, power, or potential to do something. It’s about how much someone or something can handle or achieve.
• Examples:
  • "She has the capacity to learn quickly." (She has the ability to learn fast.)
  • "He doesn't have the capacity to handle that level of stress." (He can't cope with that much stress.)
  • "The child has a great capacity for empathy." (The child is very good at understanding and sharing the feelings of others.)
  • “That machine has the capacity for producing 1000 units a day.” (It can produce that many units.)

2. Capacity as Size or Volume (Physical)

• Meaning: This refers to the amount of space something can hold. Think about containers.
• Examples:
  • "The suitcase has a capacity of 70 liters." (It can hold 70 liters of stuff.)
  • "The stadium's capacity is 80,000 people." (It can hold 80,000 people.)
  • "The hospital's capacity was exceeded during the pandemic." (More patients than beds were present.)
  • “This container has a capacity of 2 gallons.” (It holds 2 gallons.)

3. Capacity as a Formal/Technical Term (Often in Organizations)

• Meaning: Often used in business, government, and organizational contexts to refer to a position or role.
• Examples:
  • "The board of directors needs to appoint a new CEO with the capacity to lead the company." (Referring to the skills and experience needed for the job.)
  • “This department has the capacity to handle increased workloads.” (Referring to the resources and people available.)
  • "The school's capacity for enrollment is 500 students." (Referring to the number of students the school can accept.)

4. Capacity as a Mental or Emotional State

• Meaning: Less common, but it can describe the ability to feel or understand something deeply.
• Example: "He lacked the capacity for forgiveness." (He couldn't forgive.)

Key Phrases & How to Use Them

• "Full capacity": This means something is completely filled or utilizing all its resources. "The train was running at full capacity."
• "Within capacity": Meaning something is operating at its maximum allowed limit. "The bridge is designed to handle traffic within its capacity."
• "Over capacity": Meaning something is overloaded and beyond its limits. "The prison was over capacity, so they released some inmates."

Tips for Using "Capacity" Correctly

• Pay attention to context: The meaning of "capacity" shifts depending on the sentence.
• Consider the subject: Is it a person’s ability, a container’s size, or a role in an organization?
• Don't overuse it: It's a more formal word. Sometimes simpler words ("ability," "size," "role") are better.

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