Word
masterful
Phoneticsmas·ter·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmæstɝfəɫ/
UK/mˈɑːstəfəl/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The pianist gave a masterful performance last night.”
“Her masterful handling of the difficult negotiations ensured that both parties left the room satisfied with the outcome.”
“The novelist's masterful use of perspective allows the reader to empathize with even the most morally ambiguous characters throughout the narrative.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Often used attributively before a noun; can also follow linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem'.
Pitfall
He was very masterly at chess
He was very masterful at chess
While 'masterly' is a synonym, 'masterful' is more common in modern English to describe a person's high level of skill.
Real-World Examples
“Bandaranayake also notes in his essay that during excavation, water conduits were found at different depths, likely to achieve varying water levels; something that required a masterful knowledge of physics and engineering.” “Every so often, we might still see the old romantics lingering over each keystroke — an act that’s dignified, masterful, and hopelessly out of time.” “More specifically, Mumbai mindlessly sabotaged two of his masterful plans, each of which would have helped it regain its post-independence swagger as India’s showpiece.” - 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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