Meaning & use
Abel
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Meanings
proper nounproperreligion
In the Bible, Adam and Eve’s second son, whose offering is accepted and who is killed by his brother Cain.
Grammar: Always capitalized; usually singular and not used with a determiner.
Patterns
- the story of Abel
- Cain and Abel
- Abel’s offering
In the biblical account, Abel offers a sacrifice that is accepted.
The conflict between Cain and Abel is often read as a warning about envy.
proper nounproper
A male given name used in many cultures and languages.
Grammar: Also capitalized; like other names, it can take a determiner only in special phrases.
Patterns
- a man named Abel
- Abel said
- Abel’s work
Abel moved to the city and opened a small repair shop.
Our neighbor Abel taught us how to graft tomato plants.
Common combinations
- Cain and Abel
- The novel retells the rivalry of Cain and Abel in a modern family.
- the story of Abel
- The story of Abel raises questions about favoritiveness and guilt.
- a boy named Abel
- A boy named Abel won the regional spelling contest.
Commonly confused: Abel or able?
Abel vs able
Able means capable; Abel is a name and is capitalized. They can sound similar in fast speech.
Practice
Which sentence uses Abel as an ordinary given name rather than the biblical figure?
Choose one answer.
Only the second sentence treats Abel as a contemporary person in an everyday situation. The others refer to the biblical character or the Cain and Abel narrative.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Abel”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.