skill

¹

[ skil ]

noun

1. the ability, coming from one's knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well:

   Carpentry was one of his many skills.

   Synonyms: facility, proficiency

   Antonyms: inability

2. competent excellence in performance; expertness; dexterity:

   The dancers performed with skill.

   Synonyms: cleverness, deftness

3. a craft, trade, or job requiring manual dexterity or special training in which a person has competence and experience:

   the skill of cabinetmaking.

4. Obsolete. understanding; discernment.
5. Obsolete. reason; cause.

skill

²

[ skil ]

verb (used without object)

, Archaic.

1. to matter.
2. to help; avail.

skill

/ skɪl /

noun

1. special ability in a task, sport, etc, esp ability acquired by training
2. something, esp a trade or technique, requiring special training or manual proficiency
3. obsolete.
   understanding

Derived Forms

• ˈskill-less, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skill¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English, from Old Norse skil “distinction, difference”; cognate with Dutch geschil “difference, quarrel”; skill ²( def )

Origin of skill²

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English skilien, from Old Norse skilja “to distinguish, divide,” akin to skil ( skill ¹( def ) ), Old English scylian “to separate,” Gothic skilja “butcher,” Lithuanian skélti “to split”

Word History and Origins

Origin of skill¹

C12: from Old Norse skil distinction; related to Middle Low German schēle, Middle Dutch geschil difference

Example Sentences

Mississippi State transfer Jo’Quavious Marks and his family believe USC coach Lincoln Riley’s offense is perfect for his mix of toughness and skill.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump “has centered parental rights back in his platform, which is incredible. He has prioritized knowledge and skill, not identity politics,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s skills and talents go unrecognized when we see him as a conventional candidate — a person who seeks to explain policies that might improve lives, or who works to create the appearance of empathy.

From Salon

The Older Drivers Forum, which works with police forces across the UK, is urging older motorists to have a review of their skills and any medical issues.

From BBC

Correspondents such as Savannah Guthrie frequently appeared on the channel, honing the skills that eventually brought her to NBC’s “Today.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplishment
• art
• artistry
• clout
• competence
• dexterity
• experience
• expertise
• finesse
• ingenuity
• intelligence
• job
• know-how
• proficiency
• prowess
• quickness
• readiness
• savvy
• technique