ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dexterity

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //dɛkˈstɛɹəti// UK //dɛkstˈɛɹɪti// dex·ter·i·ty

n. the ability to move your hands or body skillfully. It can also mean being quick and clever with your mind.

n. skill and grace in physical movement, especially the use of the hands; by extension, mental adroitness or cleverness.


SIMPLE

Playing the piano requires great finger dexterity.

CONTEXTUAL

The surgeon's manual dexterity allowed her to perform the delicate operation with minimal scarring to the patient.

COMPLEX

While the job requires significant physical dexterity to assemble the microchips, it also demands the mental flexibility to troubleshoot software errors on the fly.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French dextérité, from Latin dexteritas, from dexter (“on the right”), this is in reference to most people having greater fine motor skills in their right hand. Partially displaced native Old English handcræft, whence Modern English handcraft.

Usage

Often paired with 'manual' to specify physical skill or 'mental' for cognitive quickness.

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