Mastering: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old English 'mægester', meaning 'one who has control or authority'.
• Earlier forms were used to describe a person with advanced skills or training in a particular area.
• The term evolved through Latin 'magister', which also relates to 'teacher' or 'chief'.

Education

• Mastery learning emphasizes that students can learn at their own pace until they understand a concept completely.
• Research indicates that mastery in subjects like math and music often requires between 10,000 to 20,000 hours of dedicated practice.
• In educational settings, assessments are designed to measure if a student has truly mastered a topic before moving on.

Psychology

• The '10,000-Hour Rule', popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, suggests this is the amount of practice needed to achieve mastery in a skill.
• Studies show that mindset plays a crucial role; those with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities to learn.
• Repeated practice not only improves skill but also changes brain structure, making tasks easier over time.

Music

• In music, 'mastering' refers to the final step of production, making recordings polished and ready for distribution.
• Mastering is critical for a song's sound quality, influencing how it plays on different devices.
• Famous recording engineers often become known for their mastering work, shaping the sound of entire genres.

Sports

• Athletes often strive for mastery in their sport by focusing on technique, strategy, and mental preparation.
• Coaches play a vital role in teaching skills and providing feedback to help athletes reach mastery.
• Some sports organizations implement talent development programs specifically designed to nurture mastery from a young age.

With rank #17,670, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

• ...
• 17667 embezzlement
• 17668 undercover
• 17669 contestants
• 17670 mastering
• 17671 circumferential
• 17672 wearily
• 17673 articulating
• ...