prowess

[ prou-is ]

/ ˈpraʊ ɪs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR prowess ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, especially in combat or battle.

exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength: his prowess as a public speaker.

a valiant or daring deed.

Nearby words

provost guard, provost marshal, provost sergeant, prow, prowar, prowess, prowfish, prowl, prowl car, prowler, prox.

Origin of prowess

1250–1300; Middle English < Old French proesse, proece goodness, bravery, equivalent to prou prow² + -esse < Latin -itia -ice

Related forms

prow·essed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for prowess

As narcocorridos extolled his prowess, he built his business empire.
Will El Chapo Rule From Prison?|John P. Sullivan|February 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
From the day he entered the league, Rodriguez was distinguished by his otherworldly power and prowess.
Alex Rodriguez Suspension Is a Sad Moment for Baseball|Michael Brendan Dougherty|August 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But he also showed an inordinate interest in shooting and his prowess, going to the range at night when he could not sleep.
The Unwarranted Mythology of Oscar Pistorius|Buzz Bissinger|February 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Over and over, people have spoken about President Obama's prowess as a communicator.
Obama Should Have Spent More Time in Court, Ctd.|Justin Green|October 5, 2012|DAILY BEAST

He added, “Behind the word was an unspoken pact: they gave one another credit for prowess.”
Cry Macho: Arnold's Canceled Film|Marlow Stern|May 26, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Everywhere there was fierce force and seething energy, bringing forth fruit of piety or prowess.
Ireland, Historic and Picturesque|Charles Johnston
And to this prowess in courtly exercises he joined a love of art and learning which especially commended him to the Moro.
Beatrice d'Este, Duchess of Milan, 1475-1497|Julia Mary Cartwright
He seemed to doubt my prowess, but slowly worked his way into his coat.
Cupid's Middleman|Edward B. Lent
I see Paul's prowess best when I find him on the foundering ship under the glare of the lightning in the breakers of Melita.
New Tabernacle Sermons|Thomas De Witt Talmage
They found no great place in naval history, but England knew their prowess and respected it.
The Old Merchant Marine|Ralph D. Paine

British Dictionary definitions for prowess

prowess

/ (ˈpraʊɪs) /

noun

outstanding or superior skill or ability

bravery or fearlessness, esp in battle

Word Origin for prowess

C13: from Old French proesce, from prou good; see proud

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