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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

deftness

IPA:

How to pronounce deftness (audio)

Dictionary definition of deftness

The quality or skill of being quick and skillful in one's movements or actions.
"The gymnast's deftness on the balance beam showcased her incredible precision and control."

Detailed meaning of deftness

It encompasses the ability to perform tasks with ease, precision, and gracefulness. A person with deftness possesses a high level of dexterity, coordination, and finesse, enabling them to navigate tasks or activities requiring intricate manual or cognitive abilities with exceptional proficiency. Whether it is the deftness of a surgeon in performing intricate surgeries, the deftness of a pianist playing complex compositions flawlessly, or the deftness of a dancer executing intricate movements with precision, this quality implies a mastery and agility that allows individuals to handle challenging or delicate tasks with remarkable proficiency and efficiency. Overall, deftness signifies a combination of skill, accuracy, and nimbleness, enabling individuals to execute tasks with remarkable precision and finesse.

Example sentences containing deftness

1. The magician's deftness with his hands amazed the audience as he performed intricate card tricks.
2. The chef's deftness in slicing vegetables quickly and uniformly impressed the cooking show judges.
3. The artist's deftness with a paintbrush allowed her to create intricate and detailed portraits.
4. The surgeon's deftness in the operating room ensured precise and successful procedures.
5. The pianist's deftness on the keys produced a melodious and captivating performance.
6. The acrobat's deftness in aerial maneuvers left the spectators in awe of his agility and skill.

History and etymology of deftness

The noun 'deftness' has an etymology that can be traced back to the Middle English word 'deft,' which meant 'mild' or 'gentle.' It's believed to have originated from the Old English word 'gedeft,' which meant 'meek' or 'gentle.' Over time, the meaning of 'deft' evolved to describe someone who is skillful and adept in their actions. Therefore, the etymology of 'deftness' reflects the idea of possessing skill and dexterity in one's movements or actions, with a historical connection to notions of gentleness and mildness that have transformed into qualities of agility and proficiency.

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Further usage examples of deftness

1. The seamstress's deftness with the sewing machine enabled her to create beautifully tailored garments.
2. The archer's deftness with a bow and arrow resulted in hitting the target with pinpoint accuracy.
3. The typist's deftness on the keyboard allowed her to type with incredible speed and accuracy.
4. The juggler's deftness in handling multiple objects simultaneously left the crowd mesmerized.
5. The athlete's deftness in maneuvering through obstacles during the race demonstrated her agility and quick reflexes.
6. His deftness with the piano keys left the audience in awe.
7. The artist's deftness in capturing light was remarkable.
8. Her deftness in negotiation secured a favorable deal.
9. The surgeon's deftness ensured a successful operation.
10. His deftness in handling delicate machinery impressed his colleagues.
11. The chef's deftness in the kitchen resulted in exquisite dishes.
12. The gymnast displayed incredible deftness on the balance beam.
13. The writer's deftness with words painted vivid scenes in the reader's mind.
14. The pilot's deftness landed the plane safely during a storm.
15. The seamstress's deftness with a needle and thread was unmatched.
16. His deftness as a coder made him a valuable asset to the team.
17. The detective's deftness in solving cases was legendary.
18. Her deftness in handling difficult clients was commendable.
19. The goalkeeper's deftness in blocking shots amazed the crowd.
20. The juggler's deftness with multiple objects was a sight to behold.
21. The acrobat's deftness in the air left the audience breathless.
22. His deftness on the basketball court made him a star player.
23. The tailor's deftness in crafting custom suits was renowned.
24. The sculptor's deftness transformed blocks of stone into art.
25. Her deftness in multitasking kept the project on track.

Suffix -ness, Excellence and Virtue, Determination and Tenacity, Skill and Distinction

dexterity,facility,finesse,precision

agility, clumsiness, ineptitude, awkwardness

eb68db_a8e60adcd1274ffc99cb941545a8ac36.mp3

adeptness,agility,expertise,fluency,mastery,nimbleness,proficiency,skillfulness

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