masterly

[mas-ter-lee, mah-ster-]

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.

adverb

1. in a masterly manner.

masterly

/ ˈmɑːstəlɪ /

adjective

1. of the skill befitting a master

   a masterly performance

Confusables Note

See masterful.

Other Word Forms

• masterliness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of masterly¹

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

Example Sentences

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

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Weaver masterly balances both sides of the equation.

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The 20 bills of the three-week Paul Taylor Dance Company season at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, through Sunday, include 12 dances by Taylor, the masterly modern-dance choreographer who died in 2018.

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“Mask & Bone” by Jamesie Fournier is a slightly overwritten but otherwise masterly unmasking of ordinary family life that reveals ancient secrets and generational trauma of the supernatural kind.

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“Where Eve once seemed wild and inspired to Joan,” writes Anolik, “she now seemed slack and slothful. Where Joan once seemed meticulous and masterly to Eve, she now seemed dogged and doctrinaire.”

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Related Words

• excellent 
• masterful 
• skillful 
• superb