able, competent, fitted, satisfactory, adapted, equal, fitting, sufficient, capable, fit, qualified, suitable. commensurate,
_Adequate_, _commensurate_, and _sufficient_ signify _equal_ to some given occasion or work; as, a sum _sufficient_ to meet expenses; an _adequate_ remedy for the disease. _Commensurate_ is the more precise and learned word, signifying that which exactly measures the matter in question. _Adapted_, _fit_, _suitable_, and _qualified_ refer to the qualities which match or suit the occasion. A clergyman may have strength _adequate_ to the work of a porter; but that would not be a _fit_ or _suitable_ occupation for him. Work is _satisfactory_ if it satisfies those for whom it is done, though it may be very poor work judged by some higher standard. _Qualified_ refers to acquired abilities; _competent_ to both natural and acquired; a _qualified_ teacher may be no longer _competent_, by reason of ill health. _Able_ and _capable_ suggest general ability and reserved power, _able_ being the higher word of the two. An _able_ man will do something well in any position. A _capable_ man will come up to any ordinary demand. We say an _able_ orator, a _capable_ accountant.
disqualified, inferior, unequal, unsatisfactory, useless, inadequate, insufficient, unfit, unsuitable, worthless. incompetent, poor, unqualified,
Adequate _to_ the demand; _for_ the purpose.
aid, ally, disciple, partisan, supporter. aider, backer, follower,
An _adherent_ is one who is devoted or attached to a person, party, principle, cause, creed, or the like. One may be an _aider_ and _supporter_ of a party or church, while not an _adherent_ to all its doctrines or claims. An _ally_ is more independent still, as he may differ on every point except the specific ground of union. The _Allies_ who overthrew Napoleon were united only against him. _Allies_ are regarded as equals; _adherents_ and _disciples_ are followers. The _adherent_ depends more on his individual judgment, the _disciple_ is more subject to command and instruction; thus we say the _disciples_ rather than the _adherents_ of Christ. _Partisan_ has the narrow and odious sense of adhesion to a party, right or wrong. One may be an _adherent_ or _supporter_ of a party and not a _partisan_. _Backer_ is a sporting and theatrical word, personal in its application, and not in the best usage. Compare ACCESSORY.