dexterous
[ dek-struhs, -ster-uhs ]
/ ˈdɛk strəs, -stər əs /
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adjective
skillful or adroit in the use of the hands or body.
having mental adroitness or skill; clever.
done with skill or adroitness.
SYNONYMS FOR dexterous
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Also dextrous.
Origin of dexterous
1595–1605; <Latin dexter right-hand, skillful + -ous
synonym study for dexterous
1, 2. 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.
OTHER WORDS FROM dexterous
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for dexterous
dexterous
dextrous
/ (ˈdɛkstrəs) /
adjective
possessing or done with dexterity
a rare word for right-handed
Derived forms of dexterous
dexterously or dextrously, adverbdexterousness or dextrousness, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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