Prowess Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prowess

[หˆpraสŠษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in battle

Skill or expertise in a particular activity or field, especially in battle.

Synonyms

ability, expertise, skill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prowess

Used to describe exceptional skill or bravery, often in a specific field or activity, typically carrying a sense of admiration.

  • His prowess on the battlefield was legendary
  • The athlete's prowess in swimming earned her multiple gold medals
skill

Refers to the ability to perform tasks well, particularly through practice and learning, usually in a specific area.

  • He improved his painting skill through years of practice
  • Cooking is a skill that can be mastered with patience
expertise

Used to describe advanced or specialized knowledge and skills in a particular field, often requiring significant experience.

  • Her expertise in IT security made her the go-to person in the company
  • The mechanic's expertise with vintage cars is well-known
ability

Refers to the general capacity to do something, often focusing on potential rather than specialized skill.

  • She has the ability to learn new languages quickly
  • His ability to solve complex math problems is impressive

Examples of usage

  • Her prowess on the battlefield was unmatched.
  • The knight demonstrated his prowess by defeating the enemy single-handedly.
Context #2 | Noun

in sports

Exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength in a particular area, especially in sports.

Synonyms

ability, capability, talent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prowess

Used to describe exceptional skill or ability, often in a specific field, particularly in activities requiring courage or bravery.

  • He demonstrated incredible prowess on the battlefield.
  • Her prowess in negotiation has brought the company many profitable deals.
ability

A general term referring to the power or skill to do something. It can be used in almost any context where someone is capable of performing a task.

  • She has the ability to learn languages quickly.
  • His ability to solve complex problems is impressive.
talent

Implies a natural aptitude or skill, often linked to creative, artistic, or intellectual pursuits. It can also refer to a person's proficiency in a particular area.

  • She has a talent for painting beautiful landscapes.
  • His musical talent was evident from a young age.
capability

Refers to the quality of being capable or having the potential to achieve something. Often used in technical, professional, or organizational contexts.

  • The new software has enhanced our data processing capabilities.
  • He is developing his capabilities as a leader.

Examples of usage

  • His prowess on the football field earned him a scholarship.
  • She demonstrated her prowess in tennis by winning the championship.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Prowess is often a theme in legendary literature, highlighting characters that demonstrate extraordinary skills.
  • In literary works, heroes often showcase their prowess to overcome formidable challenges.
  • Many epic poems, like Beowulf, celebrate the prowess of their protagonists in battle and sports.

Sports

  • Athletic prowess is valuable; it can lead to accolades, medals, and records in various sports.
  • Iconic athletes are often lauded not just for victory, but for their exceptional skills and techniques.
  • The rise of extreme sports has redefined prowess, with skills being pushed to new limits in competitions.

Psychology

  • Research shows that expertise often leads to increased confidence, which can further enhance an individual's prowess in their field.
  • Flow state, a term coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, describes a state of heightened skill and enjoyment that reflects profound prowess.
  • The Dunning-Kruger effect illustrates how those with lower skill levels may overestimate their own prowess.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, prowess is celebrated through festivals and events that honor skilled performers and competitors.
  • Martial arts, dance, and music all highlight the importance of prowess as a form of cultural expression and identity.
  • Traditions often regard mastery in a craft not merely as skill, but as a way to connect with history and heritage.

Origin of 'prowess'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin word 'proice' meaning 'brave' or 'valiant'.
  • In Middle English, it was used to describe courage and boldness in battle.
  • It was commonly associated with knights and their skills in combat during the medieval period.

The word 'prowess' originated from the Middle English 'prowesse', which came from the Old French 'proesce', meaning 'valor, bravery'. It has been used in English since the 13th century to refer to exceptional skill or ability, particularly in the context of battle or sports.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,031, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.