Capacity refers to the ability, capability, or power to perform, produce, or hold something. It is used in multiple contexts, such as physical capacity (e.g., the volume a container can hold), intellectual or mental capacity (e.g., the ability to learn or reason), and legal capacity (e.g., the competence to undertake responsibilities or contracts). Capacity often signifies the potential or limit of a system, individual, or entity. The first recorded use of capacity in the English language dates back to the 15th century, around 1425.
The etymology of capacity originates from the Latin term “capacitas,” meaning “capability” or “ability to hold,” derived from “capax,” meaning “able to hold much” or “spacious.” The term was transmitted into Middle French as “capacite” and subsequently entered Middle English. The concept of capacity evolved through its applications in science, law, and philosophy, reflecting its adaptability to diverse disciplines. Its evolution highlights its enduring relevance in describing both tangible and intangible attributes.