prowess
[ prou-is ]
/ ˈpraʊ ɪs /
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.
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dexterity, talent, readiness, mastery, accomplishment, genius, excellence, aptitude, expertise, grit, heroism, courage, valor, boldness, mettle, expertness, adeptness, adroitness, facility, sleight
Nearby words
- provost guard,
- provost marshal,
- provost sergeant,
- prow,
- prowar,
- prowfish,
- prowl,
- prowl car,
- prowler,
- prowling
Origin of prowess
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web 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
prowess
late 13c., prouesse, from Old French proece "prowess, courage, brave deed" (Modern French prouesse), from prou, later variant of prud "brave, valiant," from Vulgar Latin *prodem (cf. Spanish proeza, Italian prodezza; see proud). Prow was in Middle English as a noun meaning "advantage, profit," also as a related adjective ("valiant, brave"), but it has become obsolete. "In 15-17th c. often a monosyllable" [OED].
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper