Skill Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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skill
[skɪl ]
Definitions
ability
The ability to do something well; expertise.
Synonyms
capability, competence, expertise, proficiency.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| skill |
Use 'skill' to talk about the ability to do something well, usually something that takes practice to learn.
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| expertise |
Use 'expertise' to describe a high level of knowledge or skill in a specific area, usually gained through experience.
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| capability |
Use 'capability' to talk about someone's potential or the power to do something, often in a broader or more general sense.
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| proficiency |
Use 'proficiency' to indicate a good degree of skill or ability in a particular area, often measured through tests or levels.
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| competence |
Use 'competence' to discuss the necessary ability to do something to a certain standard, often used in professional or educational contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She has excellent writing skills.
- He has good leadership skills.
- I am impressed by her negotiation skills.
performing arts
A particular ability or capacity in a specific area, such as music, dance, or acting.
Synonyms
ability, aptitude, gift, talent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| skill |
Used to describe expertise or proficiency acquired through practice and training. It is often related to specific tasks or activities.
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| talent |
Refers to a natural ability or proficiency in a particular area, suggesting not only innate ability but also the potential to achieve great things with development and practice.
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| aptitude |
Emphasizes a natural inclination or quickness in learning and understanding specific types of tasks or knowledge. It is often used in educational and professional contexts.
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| gift |
Used to describe an exceptional natural talent or endowment, often seen as something innate or given without effort. It carries a positive and often admiring tone.
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| ability |
Refers to the general capacity to perform actions or tasks, often highlighting natural potential but can also encompass learned skills.
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Examples of usage
- She has incredible singing skills.
- He is known for his exceptional dancing skills.
- They are honing their acting skills in drama class.
improve
To improve one's ability in a particular activity through practice and training.
Synonyms
develop, enhance, hone, improve.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| skill |
Used to describe an ability or expertise that someone has acquired through practice and education. Often used in job descriptions or resumes.
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| improve |
Used when talking about making something better, more efficient, or more valuable. Can be applied to various skills, conditions, or situations.
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| enhance |
Used to describe making something that already exists better or more effective. Often used in formal or professional contexts.
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| develop |
Used when talking about the process of acquiring or improving skills, traits, or attributes over time through practice and experience.
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| hone |
Used to describe sharpening or refining a skill or ability through continuous practice. Implies a focus on perfection and precision.
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Examples of usage
- She is working hard to skill up in her programming abilities.
- He skilfully improved his cooking skills by attending a culinary course.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- The development of skills can be broken into stages, starting with novice to expert, showcasing how practice influences proficiency.
- Cognitive psychology studies how skills are formed, suggesting that repeated practice embeds tasks into long-term memory.
- Research indicates that about 10,000 hours of dedicated practice can lead to mastery in a specific area, known as 'the 10,000-hour rule.'
Education
- Skills are categorized as hard (technical) skills, like coding, and soft skills, like communication, both crucial for career success.
- Project-based learning emphasizes hands-on experiences to develop practical skills, preparing students for real-world challenges.
- Employers often prioritize candidates with demonstrated skills, as they are seen as more valuable than formal education alone.
Pop Culture
- Popular talent shows like 'America's Got Talent' celebrate diverse skills from singing to acrobatics, showcasing the range of human capabilities.
- Video games often emphasize skill development, where players must practice and refine their abilities to progress in the game.
- The rise of DIY culture on platforms like YouTube highlights skill sharing, with users teaching others everything from cooking to woodworking.
Technology
- In programming, skill development often involves learning multiple languages and frameworks to adapt to evolving technology.
- Digital skills are increasingly important, with resources available online to help develop skills in areas like data analysis and graphic design.
- With the introduction of artificial intelligence, the demand for reskilling and upskilling in various professions is on the rise.
Origin of 'skill'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old Norse word 'skil', meaning 'to discern or separate,' reflecting the idea of knowing how to do things.
- In Middle English, 'skill' was often associated with knowledge and judgment, emphasizing both ability and understanding.
- The modern meaning took shape in the 14th century, shifting towards practical abilities developed through experience.
The word 'skill' originated from the Old Norse word 'skil' which meant 'distinction' or 'discernment'. Over time, it evolved to represent the ability to do something well. Skills have been valued throughout history, from ancient craftsmanship to modern expertise in various fields.
See also: skilled, skillful, skillfully, skillfulness, skills, unskilled, unskillful, unskillfully.