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 manager must be dexterous in handling people.

4. right-handed. Also, dextrous.

–dex´ter|ous|ly, adverb.

–dex´ter|ous|ness, noun.

Synonym Study 1, 2, 3 Dexterous, deft, adroit mean skillful in using the hands and body, or the mind. Dexterous suggests easy, quick, smooth movements and lightness and sureness of touch coming from practice: »

Mary is a dexterous pianist.

Deft adds to dexterous the idea of neatness and exceptional lightness and swiftness: »

A surgeon has to be deft.

Adroit adds to dexterous the idea of being quick-witted, and is used less often of physical skill than of mental quickness, resourcefulness, and cleverness in handling situations: »

The adroit stewardess kept the passengers on the plane cheerful during the storm.