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Synonyms

mastery

American  
[mas-tuh-ree, mah-stuh-] / ˈmæs tə ri, ˈmɑ stə- /

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 British  
/ ˈmɑːstərɪ /

noun

  1. full command or understanding of a subject

  2. outstanding skill; expertise

  3. the power of command; control

  4. victory or superiority

"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

Other Word Forms

  • nonmastery noun
  • premastery noun
  • remastery noun

Etymology

Origin of mastery

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

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.

"In order for the North to show it can launch a multi-warhead ICBM, it needs a test launch to prove its mastery of such technology."

From Barron's

This film redefined the great American epic through its mastery of the medium.

From The Wall Street Journal

If Wagner’s job seems to require an unusual combination of skills—mastery of fluid dynamics, comfort with public speaking, strong pint tolerance—he comes by them honestly.

From The Wall Street Journal

His mastery of English served as a key advantage when “One Piece” knocked on his door.

From Los Angeles Times

"The true power of the Chincha wasn't just access to a resource; it was their mastery of a complex ecological system," she said.

From Science Daily

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.