deftly

American  

[deft-lee] / ˈdɛft li /

adverb

1. in a dexterous or nimble manner; skillfully.

   The nightjar, a nocturnal bird, is an aerial hunter capable of deftly snatching moths from the air in mid flight.

   With clear, concise prose, the author navigates deftly through a complex narrative of diplomacy, war, and politics.

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Etymology

Origin of deftly

deft ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

“Kin” deftly alternates points of view between Vernice and Annie, narrating events by way of a vernacular that would be at home on a front porch rocking chair.

From Los Angeles Times

Sat behind a fringing machine at the mill, Hyslop, 28, deftly ran a dark cashmere fabric destined for a Spanish luxury brand through its frame, twisting the ends of the cloth into fringes.

From Barron's

Ms. Goodman’s mature and deftly written book suggests that, in family as in art, there is no such thing as uncomplicated happiness.

From The Wall Street Journal

There’s no other character in O’Hara’s venerable career who quite so deftly captures the quiet hope that, when we go, we’ll leave some legacy behind.

From Salon

Our group deftly made it over multiple water crossings and shared trekking poles and shoulders to ensure we all could make it safely through the creek.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ably
• adroitly
• artfully
• carefully
• cleverly
• coolly
• deliberately
• intelligently
• judiciously
• keenly
• knowingly
• skillfully
• slyly
• smartly