Adept: meaning, definitions and examples

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adept

[əˈdɛpt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

skilled in a particular activity

A person who is highly skilled or proficient in a particular area or activity. Adepts have mastered a specific skill or knowledge through practice and experience.

Synonyms

expert, masterful, proficient, skilled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
adept	Used when someone is highly skilled or very good at a particular task, usually implying both ability and experience. She is adept at solving complex problems quickly He is adept in multiple programming languages
expert	Applied to someone who has a lot of knowledge or skill in a particular field, typically with formal recognition or extensive experience. Dr Stevens is an expert in neurology They consulted an expert on cybersecurity
proficient	Describes someone who is competent or skilled in doing something, often indicating a high level of ability through practice and education. She is proficient in three languages He is proficient at using graphic design software
skilled	Refers to someone who has the ability to do something well, often through training or experience. The skilled carpenter built a beautiful table She is a skilled negotiator
masterful	Used when referring to someone who performs with great skill, often in a way that commands respect or shows dominance. Her masterful performance left the audience in awe He delivered a masterful speech that won over the entire board

Examples of usage

He is an adept at playing the piano.
She is an adept in martial arts.
The adept chef prepared a delicious meal.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

follower of a particular spiritual path

In certain spiritual or mystical traditions, an adept is someone who has attained a high level of spiritual realization or mastery. They are considered advanced practitioners who have deep insight and understanding.

Synonyms

enlightened being, guru, master, sage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
adept	When referring to someone who is very skilled or proficient at something, usually a specific field of study or activity. She is an adept software developer, capable of solving complex problems quickly. He became adept at juggling after years of practice.
master	Indicates someone with a high level of skill and command over a particular art or craft. It can also imply a formal title, like a master craftsman or martial arts master. He is a chess master, having won numerous championships. The artist is considered a master of the Baroque style.
sage	Describes someone who is wise and knowledgeable, often with a connotation of age and experience. It can also imply a person who offers profound insights or sound advice. The old man was revered as a sage in their community, always providing wisdom. She sought the advice of a sage to navigate through her life's challenges.
guru	Refers to a spiritual teacher or leader, often in Eastern religious traditions. It can also be used more informally to describe someone who is a mentor or influential guide in a particular field. He traveled to India to seek guidance from a renowned guru. She is a marketing guru, frequently giving talks and publishing books on the subject.
enlightened being	Often used in spiritual or religious contexts to refer to someone who has reached a higher state of understanding or consciousness. Many believe Buddha was an enlightened being who found the path to Nirvana. The monk was considered an enlightened being by his followers.

Examples of usage

The adept meditated for hours to reach enlightenment.
She is an adept in the practice of yoga.
Many seek guidance from the adept on their spiritual journey.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'adeptus,' meaning 'having obtained,' which hints at the skill being earned.
Originally used in English around the 16th century, it has evolved to specifically describe high skill levels in a particular area.
The prefix 'a-' in 'adept' suggests a direction or appropriateness, indicating that the skill is aimed towards mastery.

Cultural Reflections

In many cultures, being adept at a craft or trade is seen as a key component of success and respect.
In the realm of martial arts, an adept practitioner is not only skilled but also often seen as a leader among peers.
Competitions in various sports often identify adept players, showcasing their talent and inspiring many to pursue similar paths.

Literature

Literary characters often represent adeptness, highlighting themes of mastery—like a wizard being adept in spellcasting or a hero with adept combat skills.
In Shakespeare's writings, many characters are depicted as adept in their cleverness, playing on the theme of wit and intelligence.
The journey of a protagonist often revolves around becoming adept, transforming from a novice to a master by the story's end.

Psychology

Research in psychology shows that practice and dedication can make someone adept in various skills, supporting the idea of '10,000 hours' for mastery.
Cognitive psychology suggests that being adept often involves intuitive knowledge built from experience, where skills become second nature.
Individuals considered adept often exhibit higher levels of self-efficacy, believing in their abilities to achieve tasks or goals.

Art and Performance

In the performing arts, being adept can mean mastering a technique, which enhances the overall performance quality, captivating audiences.
Visual artists often demonstrate adeptness through their ability to manipulate mediums, allowing for profound expression of creativity.
Musicians are frequently described as adept when they can effortlessly play complicated pieces, showcasing their years of training.

Translations

Translations of the word "adept" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perito

🇮🇳 निपुण

🇩🇪 Experte

🇮🇩 ahli

🇺🇦 знавець

🇵🇱 ekspert

🇯🇵 達人 (たつじん)

🇫🇷 expert

🇪🇸 experto

🇹🇷 uzman

🇰🇷 숙련된 (숙련된)

🇸🇦 خبير

🇨🇿 expert

🇸🇰 expert

🇨🇳 专家 (zhuānjiā)

🇸🇮 strokovnjak

🇮🇸 sérfræðingur

🇰🇿 маман

🇬🇪 ექსპერტი

🇦🇿 mütəxəssis

🇲🇽 experto

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,046, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15043 schizophrenic
15044 strolled
15045 grooved
15046 adept
15047 numeric
15048 imitating
15049 minima
...