Word
skillfully
Phoneticsskill·ful·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈskɪɫfəɫi/
UK/skˈɪlfəli/
Definition
adv. in a way that shows you have a lot of practice and talent at a specific task.
adv. in a manner demonstrating technical proficiency, dexterity, or mastery of a particular craft or activity.
Examples
“She skillfully handled the difficult situation with grace.”
“The surgeon skillfully performed the operation, ensuring the patient's recovery was as quick as possible.”
“The artisan skillfully blended traditional techniques with modern materials to create a piece that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.”
Examples
simple
“She skillfully handled the difficult situation with grace.”
contextual
“The surgeon skillfully performed the operation, ensuring the patient's recovery was as quick as possible.”
complex
“The artisan skillfully blended traditional techniques with modern materials to create a piece that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.”
Real-World Examples
“This exchange—which appeared in a post on Gerardi's Instagram account—was a personal moment, skillfully presented through the language and visuals of social media.” Etymology
From Middle English skilfully, skylfully, skilfulliche, equivalent to skillful + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/skillfully