Capacity vs capability

[Van Khanh]

Please read:

a. Animals in the zoo have lost the capability to catch food for themselves.
b. Animals in the zoo have lost the capacity to catch food for themselves.

"Capacity" and "capability" are interchangeable in (a) and (b)?If not, what is the difference?

Thanks
K

[Pamela]

Hi, Van Khanh
In my way of thinking capacity deals more with mental activity while capability also includes physical ability but at the same time they can be interchangeable

[Tamara]

Hi

[Alan]

Hi Van Khanh,

Capacity usually means ability to contain and capability usually means ability to perform.

You would say: A concert hall has the capacity to seat 3,000 people. The orchestra has the capability to play a wide range of different overtures.

If you take this interpretation to your examples: