I see a difference : the English "to be equal to" implies that there is an expectation above the average for the task to be done. A better equivalent French would be "être à la hauteur".
"Être à même " is more neutral, you can use it for any skill or or requirement even if there is no high expectation linked to it.
Yes, the meaning is the same - just that "être à même" belongs to a more formal register. To give you an idea, I would never ask my kids "les gars, êtes-vous à même de ranger votre chambre ?", but in a job interview, I could ask "êtes-vous à même de gérer un budget élevé ?".
être à même de = to be able to, to have the skills or means to do something
It is a tad formal.
Is it the equivalent of the English to be (or to prove) equal to [the task]? Sounds like it's related.
I see a difference : the English "to be equal to" implies that there is an expectation above the average for the task to be done. A better equivalent French would be "être à la hauteur".
"Être à même " is more neutral, you can use it for any skill or or requirement even if there is no high expectation linked to it.
EDIT: meant NO high expectation
Nice thanks.
What about "are you up to it?" (Are you up to spend one more hour working on this?)
Yes, the meaning is the same - just that "être à même" belongs to a more formal register. To give you an idea, I would never ask my kids "les gars, êtes-vous à même de ranger votre chambre ?", but in a job interview, I could ask "êtes-vous à même de gérer un budget élevé ?".
I appreciate the precise explanations!
To be in a position to
Able to