Dexterous
What it means
Showing precise, easy skill with the hands or mind.
Reach for it when describing a person or action that handles complexity with fine control
The dexterous technician joined the hair-thin wires without a visible seam.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional |
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| formal |
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playful
Fits when practical ability with tools suits an informal voice
Careful Handy is modest and can mean merely useful or conveniently placed.
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everyday
Fits when speed and easy adjustment are most visible
Careful Nimbleness can lack the accuracy required for dexterous work.
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everyday
Fits when broad competence is clearer and more natural
Careful Skillful does not identify the fine coordination highlighted by dexterous.
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warm
Fits when quick, economical handling deserves a light compliment
Careful Deft often describes a single move and may be too narrow for an enduring ability.
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professional
Fits when exactness is the quality that can be verified
Careful Precise work may be slow and mechanical rather than dexterous.
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formal
Fits when clever handling of a social or intellectual challenge is central
Careful Adroit sounds elevated and is less specifically manual.
Opposites 3
- clumsy
- inept
- awkward
Common phrases 3
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dexterous hands
Her dexterous hands repaired the lace without replacing a thread.
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dexterous movement
One dexterous movement folded the paper into a clean spiral.
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dexterous use
The essay shows dexterous use of humor in a serious argument.
Word family 1
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