prowess

American  

[prou-is] / ˈpraʊ ɪs /

noun

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

2. exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength.

   his prowess as a public speaker.

3. a valiant or daring deed.

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prowess British  

/ ˈpraʊɪs /

noun

1. outstanding or superior skill or ability

2. bravery or fearlessness, esp in battle

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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

Explanation

Prowess means exceptional skill or ability. Your sailing prowess might save your life in a storm, while someone with less experience might make mistakes. An earlier meaning of this word is exceptional bravery in battle, or a specific act of bravery. Prowess is a Middle English word borrowed from the Old French proesse, "courage, brave deed," from prud, "good, capable, brave." The related English word proud originally had the now obsolete meaning of "brave."

Example Sentences

After the Swiss ambassador to Nigeria paid a visit to the Future Prowess school in 2012, he arranged for Mr Mustapha to go to Zurich and Geneva to receive formal training as a mediator.

From BBC • May 16, 2017

Michael MacLeod, 33, the Prowess: fine of £8,000.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2012

I called Prowess Consulting, the Seattle-based firm that filed the application.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2012

Here’s the hat trick: Up: Devils’ Shootout Prowess – How’s this for a fast and simple recipe to earn the second standings point in the postgame skills competition?

From New York Times • Oct. 16, 2011

To Britain's Faith and Prowess, Shall distant nations bow, The Cross upon her topmast head, The Lion at her prow.

From A Journal of a Young Man of Massachusetts, 2nd ed. Late A Surgeon On Board An American Privateer, Who Was Captured At Sea By The British, In May, Eighteen Hundred And Thirteen, And Was Confined First, At Melville Island, Halifax, Then At Chatham, In England ... And Last, At Dartmoor Prison. Interspersed With Observations, Anecdotes And Remarks, Tending To Illustrate The Moral And Political Characters Of Three Nations. To Which Is Added, A Correct Engraving Of Dartmoor Prison, Representing The Massacre Of American Prisoners, Written By Himself. by Waterhouse, Benjamin

Related Words

• accomplishment
• aptitude
• dexterity
• excellence
• expertise
• genius
• mastery
• readiness
• talent