Dextrous
adjective
Having skill in the use of the hands or body; also, having mental skill.
The surgeon was very dextrous, performing the operation with great precision.
Often appears as...
- dextrous hands
- dextrous performance
Usage tips
Neutral
skilled, adept, nimble
adjective
Displaying skill or cleverness in handling situations.
Her dextrous handling of the problem impressed everyone in the meeting.
Often appears as...
- dextrous diplomacy
- dextrous management
Usage tips
Formal
clever, resourceful, quick-witted
adjective
Having skill in the use of the hands or body; also, having mental skill.
The surgeon was very dextrous, performing the operation with great precision.
Often appears as...
- dextrous hands
- dextrous performance
Usage tips
Neutral
skilled, adept, nimble
adjective
Displaying skill or cleverness in handling situations.
Her dextrous handling of the problem impressed everyone in the meeting.
Often appears as...
- dextrous diplomacy
- dextrous management
Usage tips
Formal
clever, resourceful, quick-witted
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Skill in Both Senses
Understanding dextrous requires recognizing it as applicable to both physical and mental skills.
An artist must be as dextrous with their ideas as they are with their brushes.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Matters
Being dextrous in a social setting can mean being deft in conversation and adapting quickly.
A dextrous negotiator can diffuse potential conflicts effortlessly.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Connotations
The word often carries an affirmative nuance, highlighting capability and finesse.
People admire those who are dextrous in their fields.
Pro Tip 1/3Skill in Both Senses
Understanding dextrous requires recognizing it as applicable to both physical and mental skills.
An artist must be as dextrous with their ideas as they are with their brushes.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Matters
Being dextrous in a social setting can mean being deft in conversation and adapting quickly.
A dextrous negotiator can diffuse potential conflicts effortlessly.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Connotations
The word often carries an affirmative nuance, highlighting capability and finesse.
People admire those who are dextrous in their fields.
Pro Tip 1/3Skill in Both Senses
Understanding dextrous requires recognizing it as applicable to both physical and mental skills.
An artist must be as dextrous with their ideas as they are with their brushes.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Matters
Being dextrous in a social setting can mean being deft in conversation and adapting quickly.
A dextrous negotiator can diffuse potential conflicts effortlessly.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Connotations
The word often carries an affirmative nuance, highlighting capability and finesse.
People admire those who are dextrous in their fields.
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