Word
artful
Phoneticsart·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɑɹtfəɫ/
UK/ˈɑːtfəl/
Definition
adj. having a high level of skill and creativity. You use this to describe something that is done in a clever or beautiful way.
adj. characterised by skill, ingenuity, or aesthetic quality. Often implies a level of craftsmanship or cleverness that goes beyond the ordinary.
Examples
“The artist used an artful brushstroke to finish the painting.”
“The architect designed an artful solution that blended the modern glass structure with the surrounding historic stone buildings.”
“The diplomat's response was artful, managing to satisfy the demands of both parties without revealing any sensitive information about the country's internal security.”
Examples
simple
“The artist used an artful brushstroke to finish the painting.”
contextual
“The architect designed an artful solution that blended the modern glass structure with the surrounding historic stone buildings.”
complex
“The diplomat's response was artful, managing to satisfy the demands of both parties without revealing any sensitive information about the country's internal security.”
Real-World Examples
“Chulos were also known for being young rogues who often committed petty crimes and managed to survive through deception, wit and charm - artful dodgers if you will.” Etymology
From art (“skill that is attained by study, practice, or observation”) + -ful (suffix forming adjectives from nouns, with the sense of being full of, tending to, or thoroughly possessing the quality expressed by the noun).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
01. artful dodger
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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