dexterous

dexterous
—dexterously, adv. —dexterousness, n.
/dek"streuhs, -steuhr euhs/, adj.
1. skillful or adroit in the use of the hands or body.
2. having mental adroitness or skill; clever.
3. done with skill or adroitness.
4. right-handed.
Also, dextrous.
[1595-1605; < L dexter right-hand, skillful + -OUS]
Syn. 1. deft, nimble, handy. 1, 2. expert, apt, able, quick. DEXTEROUS, ADROIT, DEFT, SKILLFUL, HANDY all imply facility and ease in performance. DEXTEROUS and ADROIT both referred originally to right-handedness. DEXTEROUS is still most often used to refer to manual or physical ability but can also refer to mental or social agility: a dexterous wood carver; dexterous management of a potentially embarrassing situation. ADROIT implies cleverness or mental acuity, occasionally complex physical skill: an adroit politician; an adroit juggler.
DEFT suggests a light and assured touch, either physical or mental: deft manipulation of the sensitive controls, of public opinion. SKILLFUL is the most general of these synonyms and can be substituted in most contexts for any of the foregoing, sacrificing only the overtones or connotations of each: a skillful performer. HANDY applies mainly to physical skill, often achieved without formal training: handy with tools.
Ant. 1. clumsy. 2. inept. 3. awkward.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Dexterous — Dex ter*ous, a. [L. dexter. See {Dexter}.] [Written also {dextrous}.] 1. Ready and expert in the use of the body and limbs; skillful and active with the hands; handy; ready; as, a dexterous hand; a dexterous workman. [1913 Webster] 2. Skillful in …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • dexterous — dexterous, adroit, deft, handy mean having or showing readiness and skill in the use of one s hands, limbs, or body and may also imply physical or mental readiness or skill. Dexterous implies expertness with consequent facility and agility in… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • dexterous — [deks′tər əs, deks′trəs] adj. [ DEXTER + OUS] 1. having or showing skill in the use of the hands or body 2. having or showing mental skill dexterously adv. dexterousness n. SYN. DEXTEROUS implies an expertness, natural or acquired, demonstrated… …   English World dictionary

  • dexterous — index artful, competent, deft, diplomatic, efficient, expert, facile, familiar (informed) …   Law dictionary

  • dexterous — c.1600, convenient, suitable, formed in English from L. dexter (see DEXTERITY (Cf. dexterity)) + OUS (Cf. ous). Meaning skillful, clever is from 1620s …   Etymology dictionary

  • dexterous — UK / US or dextrous UK [ˈdekst(ə)rəs] / US adjective able to use your hands skilfully …   English dictionary

  • dexterous — is preferable to dextrous. Both are pronounced dek strǝs …   Modern English usage

  • dexterous — [adj] ingenious, proficient able, active, acute, adept, adroit, agile, apt, artful, canny, clever, crack*, crackerjack*, deft, effortless, expert, facile, handy, having the know how*, masterly, neat, nimble, nimblefingered, prompt, quick, savvy,… …   New thesaurus

  • dexterous — (also dextrous) ► ADJECTIVE ▪ showing dexterity; adroit. DERIVATIVES dexterously adverb …   English terms dictionary

  • dexterous — also dextrous adjective Etymology: Latin dextr , dexter on the right side, skillful Date: 1609 1. mentally adroit and skillful ; clever < her dexterous handling of the crisis > 2. done with dexterity ; a …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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