prowess
Americannoun
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exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, especially in combat or battle.
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exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength.
his prowess as a public speaker.
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a valiant or daring deed.
noun
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outstanding or superior skill or ability
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bravery or fearlessness, esp in battle
Other Word Forms
- prowessed adjective
Etymology
Origin of prowess
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French proesse, proece “goodness, bravery,” equivalent to prou prow 2 + -esse, from Latin -itia -ice
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.
Yet aside from his military prowess, manners and charity were two other merits that defined his noble lineage.
From Literature
But Banton was recalled specifically to play a role in the middle order because of his prowess attacking against spin.
From BBC
In the end, Fennell took home the statue for best original screenplay, cementing her prowess in Oscar gold — and turning herself radioactive forevermore.
From Salon
The Illini, known for their three-point shooting prowess, made 10 of their first 19 shots from beyond the arc, heavily contributing to their 20-0 run that spanned about six minutes midway through the first half.
From Los Angeles Times
General manager Bill Guerin prioritized size, brawn and checking prowess over elite scoring ability, which meant leaving several of America’s most dynamic offensive threats at home.
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.
