dexterity

[dek-ster-i-tee]

noun

1. skill or adroitness in using the hands or body; agility.

2. mental adroitness or skill; cleverness.

dexterity

/ dɛkˈstɛrɪtɪ /

noun

1. physical, esp manual, skill or nimbleness

2. mental skill or adroitness: cleverness

3. rare,  the characteristic of being right-handed

Other Word Forms

• nondexterity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dexterity¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin dexteritās “readiness, skillfulness,” from dexter “skillful” + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of dexterity¹

C16: from Latin dexteritās aptness, readiness, prosperity; see _dexter ¹

Example Sentences

One obstacle is that designers haven’t been able to replicate the very crucial human sense of touch or operate with human-like dexterity.

From Los Angeles Times

Miranda’s ability to compose rap on the spot, showcased on Tony Awards shows and in performances of his Freestyle Love Supreme hip-hop group, suggest far more than mere craft or dexterity.

From Los Angeles Times

Scored tries in the first and second Test, scrummaged well, carried with the pace and dexterity of a top-class centre but with the power of a beast.

From BBC

He is the real deal: the centre-forward of the calibre and tactical dexterity pretty much every 'Big Six' club has been looking for.

From BBC

I was struck by the dexterity with which she used tofu in manners that aren’t obvious or the usual.

From Salon

Related Words

• artistry 
• cleverness www.thesaurus.com
• deftness 
• finesse 
• ingenuity 
• knack 
• know-how 
• mastery 
• nimbleness www.thesaurus.com
• proficiency 
• skill 
• smoothness www.thesaurus.com
• tact