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habile

American  
[hab-il] / ˈhæb ɪl /

adjective

  1. skillful; dexterous; adroit.


habile British  
/ ˈhæbiːl /

adjective

  1. rare skilful

  2. obsolete fit

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of habile

1375–1425; late Middle English habyll < Latin habilis handy, apt; see able

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It was rheumy old Georges Clemenceau who first called dapper, baldish Jean Chiappe "le flic le plus habile de France," "the smartest cop in France."

From Time Magazine Archive

"Souvent homme trahie, Mal habile qui s'y fie," he repeated musingly.

From Helmet of Navarre by Bertha Runkle

Of course Gaston was waiting to know if he could be of any use, because he said I would remember he could be a "très habile" lady's maid years ago on the Sauterelle!

From Elizabeth Visits America by Elinor Glyn

On this window pane Francis the First had scratched this ungallant distich: Toute femme varie, Mal habile qui s’y fie.

From Francezka by Molly Elliot Seawell

The habile Major descried the party the instant he entered the room, and led the lady directly to it.

From The Widow Barnaby Vol. II (of 3) by Frances Eleanor Trollope

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