deft

[deft]

adjective

defter, deftest 

1. dexterous; nimble; skillful; clever.

   deft hands;

   a deft mechanic.

deft

/ dɛft /

adjective

1. quick and neat in movement; nimble; dexterous

Other Word Forms

• deftly adverb
• deftness noun
• undeft adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deft¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; variant of daft

Word History and Origins

Origin of deft¹

C13 (in the sense: gentle): see _daft

Synonym Study

See dexterous.

Example Sentences

The centre's player-of-the-match performance showed off his polished all-round game, with his fast feet, deft boot and soft hands playing key roles in England's three tries.

Read more on BBC

Containing more than 250 images, each accompanied by a deft, deep caption, this selection of artworks, ephemera, photographs, fashion, jewels and objects is engaging, surprising and sometimes scary.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

While this book is nominally about a single architect’s career and accomplishments, readers will also learn a great deal about the wider Renaissance from this deft account, which wears its deep scholarship lightly.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The admiral proved deft at finding the wind he needed to keep the Bloomer in view.

Read more on Literature

Park’s hard-nosed approach to his themes, his ability to elicit strong performances and his deft touch with complex material have built his lofty reputation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adept 
• adroit 
• ingenious 
• nimble 
• proficient 
• quick 
• skillful