Prowess
What it means
Exceptional ability displayed in a demanding activity or field.
Reach for it when praising mastery, effectiveness, or courage shown through performance
Her negotiating prowess secured safe passage for the medical convoy.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
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everyday
Fits when developed ability can be stated without exceptional praise
Careful Skill is neutral in degree and does not imply standout performance.
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warm
Fits if natural aptitude or promising ability is central
Careful Talent need not be trained, demonstrated, or exceptional.
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professional
Suits deep knowledge and practiced competence in a specialty
Careful Expertise may remain untested in action, whereas prowess is displayed.
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formal
Fits when command of a field is broad and highly developed
Careful Mastery suggests comprehensive control and can exceed the evidence for one success.
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literary
Fits when courage and spirit under pressure deserve recognition
Careful Mettle highlights character in adversity rather than technical ability.
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literary
Suits dazzling technical command, especially in performance or art
Careful Virtuosity is ornate and fits fewer practical fields.
Opposites 3
- incompetence
- ineptitude
- weakness
Common phrases 3
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technical prowess
The prototype displayed the students' technical prowess and careful testing.
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athletic prowess
Her athletic prowess was matched by generous support for new runners.
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demonstrate prowess
The final task let apprentices demonstrate prowess with hand tools.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Commander Keane, Queensland accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated