mastery

[mas-tuh-ree, mah-stuh-]

noun

plural

masteries 

1. command or grasp, as of a subject.

   a mastery of Italian.

2. superiority or victory.

   mastery over one's enemies.

3. the act of mastering.

4. expert skill or knowledge.

5. the state of being master; power of command or control.

mastery

/ ˈmɑːstərɪ /

noun

1. full command or understanding of a subject

2. outstanding skill; expertise

3. the power of command; control

4. victory or superiority

Other Word Forms

• nonmastery noun
• premastery noun
• remastery noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mastery¹

1175–1225; master + -y ³; replacing Middle English maistrie < Old French

Example Sentences

Thucydides’ mastery of perspective allows him to populate his landscapes with the dilemmas of democratic politics—the battlefield where psychology meets strategy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“His mind operates at genius level, blending physics mastery with visionary entrepreneurship that reshapes industries,” one response read.

Read more on Salon

The baroness seemed unimpressed by their mastery of poetic meter.

Read more on Literature

Landman continued his mastery of punching the ball out of the grip of opponents.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The auctioneers called it "a timepiece of almost mythical status, it stands as the ultimate convergence of historical significance, design mastery, mechanical innovation, and rarity".

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• ability 
• comprehension 
• dexterity 
• familiarity 
• finesse 
• genius 
• grasp 
• knack 
• know-how 
• knowledge 
• proficiency 
• prowess 
• skill 
• understanding 
• virtuosity 
• wizardry