skill

¹

[skil]

noun

1. the ability, coming from one's knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well.

   Carpentry was one of his many skills.

   Synonyms: facility, proficiency
   Antonyms: inability

2. competent excellence in performance; expertness; dexterity.

   The dancers performed with skill.

   Synonyms: cleverness, deftness

3. a craft, trade, or job requiring manual dexterity or special training in which a person has competence and experience.

   the skill of cabinetmaking.

4. Obsolete.,  understanding; discernment.

5. Obsolete.,  reason; cause.

skill

²

[skil]

verb (used without object)

Archaic.

1. to matter.

2. to help; avail.

skill

/ skɪl /

noun

1. special ability in a task, sport, etc, esp ability acquired by training

2. something, esp a trade or technique, requiring special training or manual proficiency

3. obsolete,  understanding

Other Word Forms

• skill-less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skill¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English, from Old Norse skil “distinction, difference”; cognate with Dutch geschil “difference, quarrel”; skill ² ( def. )

Origin of skill²

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English skilien, from Old Norse skilja “to distinguish, divide,” akin to skil ( skill ¹ ( def. ) ), Old English scylian “to separate,” Gothic skilja “butcher,” Lithuanian skélti “to split”

Word History and Origins

Origin of skill¹

C12: from Old Norse skil distinction; related to Middle Low German schēle, Middle Dutch geschil difference

Example Sentences

Sally Lambah, head of student support and wellbeing at Wrexham University, argues that social development skills of recent university cohorts were "stifled because they had to stay at home".

From BBC

"The money provided must now be used to ensure job guarantees and to also protect skills and pay in JLR and its supply chain," said general secretary Sharon Graham.

From BBC

The 61-year-old said victory was proof of the quality of England's spirit and togetherness as much as their skills on the pitch.

From BBC

“What are the skills that kids will need to know when they get out of this sort of particular environment of school.”

From Los Angeles Times

There’s also an expectation, Williams explained, that women have more soft skills, like empathy and morale-building, which people hope will save them in a crisis.

From Salon

Related Words

• accomplishment 
• art 
• artistry 
• clout 
• competence 
• dexterity 
• experience 
• expertise 
• finesse 
• ingenuity 
• intelligence 
• job 
• know-how 
• proficiency 
• prowess 
• quickness www.thesaurus.com
• readiness 
• savvy 
• technique