What is the Difference Between Ability and Skill?

The difference between ability and skill lies in the nature of these two concepts:

• Ability: An ability refers to the capacity or potential of a person to perform a task or activity. It is often innate or inborn and can be developed and improved through training or exercises. For example, having strong arm and leg muscles is an ability that can contribute to swimming.
• Skill: A skill is the capability to perform a task or activity with expertise, often acquired through training, practice, and experience. Skills are learned behaviors that combine abilities and knowledge. For example, a professional swimmer's ability to swim is a skill that combines their knowledge of swimming strokes and their physical abilities.

In summary:

• Abilities are natural or inbuilt, and can be improved through training or exercises.
• Skills are learned behaviors that result from the combination of abilities and knowledge.

Comparative Table: Ability vs Skill

The difference between abilities and skills can be understood by examining their definitions and applications. Here is a table outlining the differences:

In summary, abilities are a person's potential or capacity to perform tasks and are more related to their personality traits or cognitive/physical capabilities. Skills, on the other hand, are the practical application of knowledge or abilities and are more specific. Both abilities and skills can be developed and improved over time, but abilities are generally considered to be less malleable than skills.