Skilful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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skilful
[ˈskɪlfəl ]
Definition
ability to perform
Skilful describes a person who possesses a high level of skill or competence in a particular area. This term is often used to praise individuals who demonstrate expertise, dexterity, or proficiency in their actions or tasks. A skilful person is typically able to navigate challenges and execute tasks with precision and efficiency. The quality of being skilful can apply to both physical abilities, such as sports and crafts, as well as mental capacities, like problem-solving and decision-making.
Synonyms
adept, capable, expert, proficient, talented.
Examples of usage
- She is a skilful musician, able to perform complex pieces effortlessly.
- His skilful handling of the situation earned him the respect of his colleagues.
- The artist's skilful brushwork brought the painting to life.
- They need a skilful negotiator for the upcoming talks.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- Research indicates that deliberate practice is key to becoming skilful in any field, taking approximately 10,000 hours to achieve mastery.
- Skill development often includes feedback mechanisms, where individuals learn from mistakes to enhance their abilities.
- Studies show that multidisciplinary skills can enhance overall performance, suggesting that learning multiple related areas can make someone more skilful.
Pop Culture
- Many skilled artists today, from musicians to painters, got their start by practicing daily and honing their craft.
- Competitions like 'America's Got Talent' showcase individuals who are incredibly skilful in various areas, from singing to acrobatics.
- The video game industry often rewards skillful players, with tournaments offering substantial prizes based on player expertise and technique.
Psychology
- People who are considered skilful often exhibit higher levels of confidence, leading to a positive feedback loop in their performance.
- The Dunning-Kruger effect suggests that individuals with lower ability levels might overestimate their skills, while skilful individuals often undervalue their expertise.
- Research reveals that mindset plays a crucial role; those who believe in the possibility of improvement are more likely to develop skills over time.
Art
- Great masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were not only artistic geniuses but also highly skilful in their techniques, leading to masterpieces that still inspire today.
- In the world of dance, skilled performers can evoke strong emotions through precise movements, blending technique and creativity.
- Skilful craftsmanship is highly valued in fields such as pottery, woodworking, and weaving, where attention to detail and technique can make an ordinary item extraordinary.
Origin of 'skilful'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'skilful' comes from the Old Norse word 'skil,' which means 'to know' or 'to separate.'
- In Middle English, 'skilful' was spelled 'skilfulle,' emphasizing the idea of being full of skill.
- The use of 'skillful' can be traced back to the 14th century, showing its long-standing presence in the English language.
The word 'skilful' originated from the Old Norse word 'skil', which means 'discernment' or 'understanding'. Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word '*skilō', denoting the action of dividing or distinguishing, emphasizing the idea of personal capability and proficiency. Over time, 'skil' evolved into various forms in different Germanic languages, leading to the modern English term 'skill', paired with the suffix '-ful', which indicates 'full of' or 'characterized by'. The combination denotes someone who is full of skill or exhibits a high degree of skillfulness in their endeavors. 'Skilful' became widely used in English around the late Middle Ages, reflecting the social context where mastery in various trades and arts was highly valued.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #10,933, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
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- 10930 reasonableness
- 10931 fowl
- 10932 psychiatrist
- 10933 skilful
- 10934 desolate
- 10935 solicited
- 10936 illegitimate
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