adept

[ adjective uh-dept; noun ad-ept, uh-dept ]

adjective

1. very skilled; proficient; expert:

   an adept juggler.

noun

1. a skilled or proficient person; expert.

adept

adjective

1. very proficient in something requiring skill or manual dexterity
2. skilful; expert

noun

1. a person who is skilled or proficient in something

Derived Forms

• aˈdeptly, adverb
• aˈdeptness, noun

Other Words From

• a·dept·ly adverb
• a·dept·ness noun
• non·a·dept adjective
• non·a·dept·ly adverb
• un·a·dept adjective
• un·a·dept·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of adept¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Medieval Latin adeptus “one who has attained (the secret of transmuting metals),” noun use of Latin past participle of adipiscī “to attain to” ( ad- “toward” + -ep- combining form of ap- in aptus + -tus past participle suffix); ad-, apt

Word History and Origins

Origin of adept¹

C17: from Medieval Latin adeptus, from Latin adipiscī to attain, from ad- to + apiscī to attain

Example Sentences

Fortunately, Wilson and Mandvi are adept enough comics not to fall into that trap even as they avoid the equally damaging peril of too much audience-pandering horseplay.

From Los Angeles Times

Lucy Liu is at least adept at playing the stern director of the organization for controlling mythological entities and creatures.

From Los Angeles Times

College professors complain that the students coming to them aren’t even adept at reading books.

From Los Angeles Times

Biden spent decades of his life chasing and pining after the presidency and when he finally realized his dream, he proved quite adept at the job.

From Los Angeles Times

The human mind is very adept at sustaining denial and ignoring unpleasant things.

From Salon

Related Words

• accomplished
• adroit
• capable
• deft
• proficient
• skilled
• skillful
• versed