ENGLISH
REFERENCE

masterful

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈmæstɝfəɫ// UK //mˈɑːstəfəl// mas·ter·ful

adj. showing great skill or control over something. You use this to describe someone who is an expert at what they do.

adj. demonstrating great skill, proficiency, or authority. Often used to describe an artistic performance or a display of leadership.


SIMPLE

The pianist gave a masterful performance last night.

CONTEXTUAL

Her masterful handling of the difficult negotiations ensured that both parties left the room satisfied with the outcome.

COMPLEX

The novelist's masterful use of perspective allows the reader to empathize with even the most morally ambiguous characters throughout the narrative.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used attributively before a noun; can also follow linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem'.

Pitfall

He was very masterly at chessHe was very masterful at chessWhile 'masterly' is a synonym, 'masterful' is more common in modern English to describe a person's high level of skill.

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