masterly

American  

[mas-ter-lee, mah-ster-] / ˈmæs tər li, ˈmɑ stər- /

adjective

1. like or befitting a master, as in skill or art; worthy of a a master; very skillful.

   a masterly presentation of the budget.

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adverb

1. in a masterly manner.

masterly British  

/ ˈmɑːstəlɪ /

adjective

1. of the skill befitting a master

   a masterly performance

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Commonly Confused

See masterful.

Other Word Forms

• masterliness noun

Etymology

Origin of masterly

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; master, -ly

Example Sentences

Writing about the U.N. deliberations on Iraq, Will gushed over Secretary of State Colin Powell’s supposedly sober, masterly and “unhistrionic” presentation.

From Salon

Military aficionados will love the jargon and tech, and Mr. Wilson does a masterly job of combining Native American experience and ancestral connection with modern warfare for a satisfying resolution.

From The Wall Street Journal

Like the raconteur at the table, Mr. Winchester is masterly but almost too fluent.

From The Wall Street Journal

Netherlandish painting is renowned, in part, for its masterly representation of fine fabrics, ornate glass and other sumptuous materials.

From The Wall Street Journal

Weaver masterly balances both sides of the equation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• excellent
• masterful
• skillful
• superb