prowess

[prou-is]

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.

Origin of prowess

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

Related formsprow·essed, adjective

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

Related Words for prowess

dexterity, talent, readiness, mastery, accomplishment, genius, excellence, aptitude, expertise, grit, heroism, courage, valor, boldness, mettle, expertness, adeptness, adroitness, facility, sleight

Examples from the Web for prowess

Contemporary Examples of prowess

As narcocorridos extolled his prowess, he built his business empire.
Will El Chapo Rule From Prison?
John P. Sullivan
February 24, 2014
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
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
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
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

Historical Examples of prowess

But speedily now shall I prove him the prowess and pride of the Geats, shall bid him battle.
Beowulf
Anonymous
He leered at her as though expecting her to flame at his prowess.
Louisiana Lou
William West Winter
So that at this date they regarded their prowess as invincible.
Hellenica
Xenophon
The prowess of women has often been conspicuous in besieged cities.
The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume IV
Various
I will tell you of my prowess and exploits, and what I can perform.
The Indian Fairy Book
Cornelius Mathews

British Dictionary definitions for prowess

prowess

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

Word Origin and History for 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].