Deft
What it means
Quick, controlled, and skillful in movement or handling a situation.
Reach for it when praising precise execution that makes a difficult action seem easy
One deft turn of the wrench brought the two edges into alignment.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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everyday
Fits when competence is the essential compliment
Careful Skillful is broad and misses the light speed and economy of a deft action.
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warm
Fits when speed and ease of movement matter most
Careful Nimble can describe quickness without the precise control required for deftness.
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warm
Fits when sensitivity to people's feelings makes the handling effective
Careful Tact can be slow and careful; deft also praises efficiency and precision.
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professional
Fits when fine hand control is specifically demonstrated
Careful Dexterous fits handwork better than a tactful reply or conceptual adjustment.
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professional
Fits when exact placement or accuracy is the measured quality
Careful Precision alone does not establish ease, speed, or adaptability.
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formal
Fits when clever handling of a complex or social problem is admired
Careful Its elevated tone can feel conspicuous beside a simple physical task.
Opposites 3
- clumsy
- awkward
- inept
Common phrases 3
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deft touch
A deft touch with the brush restored the bird's tiny eye.
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deft handling
Her deft handling of the interruption kept both speakers comfortable.
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deft move
The goalkeeper made a deft move around the advancing striker.
Word family 2
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated