Skillful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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skillful

[ˈskɪlfʊl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in describing someone's abilities

Having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude. Marked by great skill especially in meticulous technique.

Synonyms

adept, competent, proficient, skilled, talented.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
skillful	Used to describe someone who has a natural ability and fine-tuned technical skills in a specific area. The artist's skillful use of colors made the painting come alive
skilled	Describes someone who has acquired special abilities through training or experience, often used in professional or technical contexts. The carpenter is highly skilled in woodwork
talented	Refers to someone who has a natural aptitude or exceptional natural ability in a particular area, often discovered early in life. The young musician is extremely talented, playing several instruments beautifully
proficient	Emphasizes a high degree of competence and fluency in a particular skill, generally after formal learning and substantial practice. He is proficient in multiple programming languages
adept	Highlights a high level of expertise and efficiency in performing tasks, often implying practice and experience. She is adept at solving complex mathematical problems quickly
competent	Indicates a satisfactory or sufficient level of skill necessary to perform a job or task, without implying exceptional ability. The mechanic was competent, fixing the car in just a few hours

Examples of usage

She is a skillful negotiator.
He is a skillful painter.
The chef is skillful in creating delicious dishes.
The musician displayed a skillful performance.
The surgeon performed a skillful operation.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in describing someone's abilities

Someone who is highly proficient or skilled in a particular activity or field.

Synonyms

expert, master, professional, specialist, veteran.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
skillful	Used to describe someone who has good abilities or is very good at doing something. Generally used in a broader sense and often in casual settings. She is a skillful painter who can replicate any masterpiece. He is very skillful at playing the guitar.
expert	Refers to someone with extensive knowledge or ability in a specific area. Often used in formal or professional contexts. He is an expert in ancient Greek literature. We consulted an expert for advice on the best investment options.
master	Used for someone who has reached the highest level of skill or proficiency in a particular field. It can imply years of experience and dedication. She is a master of martial arts with black belts in multiple disciplines. His paintings show the touch of a true master.
specialist	Used for someone who focuses on a particular area of expertise within a larger field. Often implies focused training and deep knowledge. She is a specialist in pediatric surgery. For complex tax issues, it’s best to consult a tax specialist.
professional	Describes someone who is paid to do a job and is very good at it. Often implies formal qualifications and a high standard of work. He is a professional photographer specializing in wildlife. The event was organized by a team of professionals.
veteran	This word is often used to describe someone with a lot of experience in a particular field. It can have a positive or respectful tone, indicating a long commitment. He is a veteran journalist with over 30 years in the industry. The team was honored to have a veteran coach guide them.

Examples of usage

He is a true skillful in his profession.
The team consists of skillfuls in various areas.
Being a skillful requires dedication and practice.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Education

Skill development is a key focus in education, emphasizing hands-on practices to improve abilities.
Learning environments that encourage creativity and exploration can lead to more skillful students.
Practical skills, such as cooking or woodworking, are considered vital in various educational curricula.

Pop Culture

In sports, being skillful is often celebrated, as seen with athletes who achieve MVP statuses for their talents.
Movies often portray heroes with skillful abilities, turning everyday people into extraordinary figures.
The internet has popularized many skillful individuals through viral videos showcasing talents in music, dance, and art.

Psychology

Studies show that a growth mindset, where individuals believe they can improve skills through practice, leads to greater expertise.
Skillful performance often involves a balance of inherent talent and learned techniques, highlighting nature versus nurture.
Those who engage in deliberate practice—focused and consistent effort—are the most likely to become skillful in their fields.

Industry & Technology

In the job market, employers look for skillful candidates, highlighting the importance of both hard and soft skills.
With the rise of digital tools, many people are developing skillful use of technology, adapting to new software and platforms.
Training programs are increasingly focused on making individuals more skillful, especially in fast-evolving industries.

Origin of 'skillful'

Main points about word origin

The word 'skillful' comes from the root word 'skill,' which originates from the Old Norse word 'skil,' meaning 'to discern or to know.'
Adding the suffix '-ful' means 'full of,' so 'skillful' means 'full of skill.'
The term has been used in English since at least the 14th century, highlighting the importance of expertise.

The word 'skillful' originated from the Middle English word 'skilful', which comes from the Old Norse word 'skilfulgr'. The term has been used since the 14th century to describe someone with great skill or proficiency in a particular area. Over time, 'skillful' has become a common adjective to praise someone's abilities and talents.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,374, 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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