The fingers of a violinist or surgeon must be deft. ... one of the deftest juggling performances since the late W. C. Fields laid aside his Indian clubs (Time).
SYNONYM(S): See syn. under dexterous. (Cf. ↑dexterous)Useful english dictionary. 2012.
deft´ly — deft «dehft», adjective. quick and skillful in action; nimble; clever: »The fingers of a violinist or surgeon must be deft. ... one of the deftest juggling performances since the late W. C. Fields laid aside his Indian clubs (Time). SYNONYM(S):… … Useful english dictionary
deft. — «dehft», adjective. quick and skillful in action; nimble; clever: »The fingers of a violinist or surgeon must be deft. ... one of the deftest juggling performances since the late W. C. Fields laid aside his Indian clubs (Time). SYNONYM(S): See… … Useful english dictionary
deft — deft·ly; deft·ness; deft; … English syllables
deft — [[t]dɛft[/t]] adj. er, est skillful; nimble; facile • Etymology: 1175–1225; ME; var. of daft deft′ly, adv. deft′ness, n. syn: See dexterous … From formal English to slang
dex´ter|ous|ness — dex|ter|ous «DEHKS tuhr uhs, truhs», adjective. 1. having skill with the hands: »A typist needs to be dexterous. 2. quick and skillful in bodily movements: »a dexterous acrobat. 3. having or showing skill in using the mind; clever: »A successful… … Useful english dictionary
daft´ness — daft «daft, dahft», adjective. 1. without sense or reason; silly; foolish; stupid: »Go out in this rain? You must be daft. 2. crazy; insane; mad: »to go daft … Useful english dictionary
skill´ful|ness — skill|ful «SKIHL fuhl», adjective. 1. having skill; expert: »He is a very skillful surgeon. SYNONYM(S): dexterous, deft, adroit, proficient. 2. showing skill: »That is a skillful piece of bricklaying. SYNONYM(S): dexterous, deft, adroit,… … Useful english dictionary
a|droit´ness — a|droit «uh DROYT», adjective. 1. having or showing skill in using the mind; resourceful in reaching one s objective; ingenious; clever: »A good teacher is adroit in asking questions. But this adroit defence failed to make any impression upon… … Useful english dictionary
clev´er|ness — clev|er «KLEHV uhr», adjective. 1. having a quick mind; bright; intelligent: »She is the cleverest person in our family. 2. skillful in doing some particular thing: »He is a very clever carpenter. SYNONYM(S): dexterous, deft, adroit. 3. showing… … Useful english dictionary
neat´ness — neat1 «neet», adjective. 1. clean and in order: »a neat desk, a neat room, a neat dress. 2. able and willing to keep things in order: »a neat child. 3. well formed; in proportion: »a neat design … Useful english dictionary
