What is the meaning of the "of"?

[eagleflych]

Hi, everybody:
What is the meaning of the "of" in the sentence "He was a man of
extraordinary abilities"?

Thanks a lot in advance.

[RedMtl]

Hi, everybody:
What is the meaning of the "of" in the sentence "He was a man of
extraordinary abilities"?

Thanks a lot in advance.

In your example, it means that the man possessed extraordinary abilities.

He was a man who possessed extraordinary abilities.

He was a man with extraordinary abilities.

Similar to:

He was a man capable of extraordinary accomplishments.

Hope this helps.

[Barb_D]

He has these abilities.

He can be described as possessing them.

She was a woman of great beauty -- She was a beautiful woman.