proficient
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.you are proficient when you can do something well and easily because you have learned and practiced it.
adj.demonstrating a high degree of skill or competence; often used to describe a level of language ability just below 'expert' or 'native'.
Simple“After three years of study, she became proficient in Japanese.”
In context“The job description requires candidates who are proficient in data analysis and have experience with complex financial modelling.”
UsageCommonly followed by the preposition 'in' for subjects or 'at' for specific tasks.
PitfallShe is proficient at French. She is proficient in French.While 'at' is sometimes used for tasks, 'in' is the standard preposition for languages and fields of study.
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a person who has reached a high level of skill in a particular subject.
n.a person who has attained a high degree of proficiency in a branch of knowledge or a specific skill.
Simple“The workshop was designed for proficients who wanted to refine their technique.”
In context“Even among proficients, his ability to diagnose mechanical failures by sound alone was considered extraordinary.”
Teacher's tipThe noun form is much rarer than the adjective; in most modern contexts, 'expert' or 'specialist' is preferred.
Synonyms
“People who spoke more languages tended to have younger-looking brains, and the effect also appeared stronger among those who learned another language earlier and became more proficient.”
From Latin proficiens, present participle of proficere (“to go forward, advance, make progress, succeed, be profitable or useful”), from pro (“forth, forward”) + facere (“to make, do”); see fact.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.