V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
Definition: physically quick and skillful
Synonyms: adroit, facile, handy, expert, nimble, proficient, skilled
Antonyms: clumsy, inept, incompetent, maladroit
Tips: Dexterous comes from the Latin word dexter, "skillful," literally, "on the right side." The right hand was seen as stronger than the left, hence the meaning of "skillful." The modern meaning refers to being skilled with one's hands, but can also, in some instances, refer to mental skill. The related noun dexterity denotes skill and deftness. Adroit, deft, and adept are all synonymous with dexterous. These words, however, do not have as strong of a noun form as dexterous with dexterity. Dexterity is a very powerful and sophisticated word for denoting skillfulness.
The surgeon's dexterity made the delicate laser surgery look easy. (skill, proficiency) noun
Jim's coworkers envied his dexterous evasion of the boss's boring lecture. (skillful, adroit)
It was the sculptor's amazing dexterity that enabled her to chisel the most minute details of a person's features in clay. (skill, proficiency) noun
The older woman's eyesight was diminishing, but her hands were still dexterous enough to knit the most beautiful sweaters. (nimble, skilled)
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