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Synonyms

technique

American  
[tek-neek] / tɛkˈnik /

noun

  1. the manner and ability with which an artist, writer, dancer, athlete, or the like employs the technical skills of a particular art or field of endeavor.

  2. the body of specialized procedures and methods used in any specific field, especially in an area of applied science.

  3. method of performance; way of accomplishing.

  4. technical skill; ability to apply procedures or methods so as to effect a desired result.

  5. Informal. method of projecting personal charm, appeal, etc..

    He has the greatest technique with customers.


technique British  
/ tɛkˈniːk /

noun

  1. a practical method, skill, or art applied to a particular task

  2. proficiency in a practical or mechanical skill

  3. special facility; knack

    he had the technique of turning everything to his advantage

"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

Etymology

Origin of technique

First recorded in 1810–20; from French: “technical” (adjective), “technic” (noun), from Greek technikós, techniká; see technic

Explanation

A technique is a method of doing some task or performing something. Your technique for opening drinks might be to twist the top off with your teeth. If so, your dentist better have a good tooth-repair technique. The noun technique can also refer to someone's skillfulness with the fundamentals of a particular task. A violinist could have excellent technique, but lack passion, for example. Writers usually have very individual writing techniques: One might need to write late at night and another early in the morning; some have to write by hand on paper, while others always use the computer.

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Vocabulary lists containing technique

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.

Jean: One thing that I learned from Miles is someone can have the best technique.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

She said the new technique came about through a shift in how chipmaking has historically been conceptualised.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

His stint with Paarl Royals in particular is bearing fruit, with Tribe having been able to tweak his technique ahead of this mini-series against South Africa.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

This technique, known as a gravity assist, helped place Psyche on the correct path toward its ultimate destination, the metal-rich asteroid Psyche.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

After the test, me and Dylan practice our steps for the Helsing technique for about thirty minutes and then report to the dueling gym.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

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