adept

American  

[uh-dept, ad-ept, uh-dept] / əˈdɛpt, ˈæd ɛpt, əˈdɛpt /

adjective

1. very skilled; proficient; expert.

   an adept juggler.

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noun

1. a skilled or proficient person; expert.

adept British  

adjective

1. very proficient in something requiring skill or manual dexterity

2. skilful; expert

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noun

1. a person who is skilled or proficient in something

Other Word Forms

• adeptly adverb
• adeptness noun
• nonadept adjective
• nonadeptly adverb
• unadept adjective
• unadeptly adverb

Etymology

Origin of adept

First recorded in 1655–65; from Medieval Latin adeptus “one who has attained (the secret of transmuting metals),” noun use of Latin past participle of adipiscī “to attain to” ( ad- “toward” + -ep- combining form of ap- in aptus + -tus past participle suffix); ad-, apt

Example Sentences

He has been adept at building bridges across Iran’s rival factions, says Ali Vaez, Iran project director at conflict resolution organization International Crisis Group.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has looked equally adept whether Guardiola has picked him at left-back or in midfield but on the evidence of these impressive performance, he his playing himself into contention for this summer's World Cup.

From BBC

Releasing sterilized males involves no pesticides, and also leverages the insect’s biology: Males in lust are adept at finding females.

From Los Angeles Times

But it added that retailers and suppliers are "adept at managing this type of disruption" and "will work hard to minimise the impact on customers".

From BBC

I told Polk her mother seemed equally adept working with second-graders and high school students, and that her age does not appear to be something anyone is conscious of, including the teacher.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplished
• adroit
• capable
• deft
• proficient
• skilled
• skillful
• versed