masterly

[ mas-ter-lee, mah-ster- ]

adjective

1. like or befitting a master, as in skill or art; worthy of a a master; very skillful:

   a masterly presentation of the budget.

adverb

1. in a masterly manner.

masterly

/ ˈmɑːstəlɪ /

adjective

1. of the skill befitting a master

   a masterly performance

Confusables Note

See masterful.

Derived Forms

• ˈmasterliness, noun

Other Words From

• master·li·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of masterly¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; master, -ly

Example Sentences

“Where Eve once seemed wild and inspired to Joan,” writes Anolik, “she now seemed slack and slothful. Where Joan once seemed meticulous and masterly to Eve, she now seemed dogged and doctrinaire.”

From Los Angeles Times

Her performance was a delight, with a veneer of snobbery from which would emerge the masterly put down, particularly in the case of Mr Novello's failed movie.

From BBC

Through it all stood the impassive Ancelotti, the masterly facilitator of great players, working it out with the help of those in his charge, including a lengthy touchline conversation with Carvajal close to half-time.

From BBC

In one early effort, Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, floats on colored flowers under a group of brisk Chinese characters wearing an elegant robe drawn with an already masterly line.

From New York Times

Although his pioneering color pictures are what he is best known for today, Leiter employed similar strategies in his masterly black-and-white photography.

From New York Times

Related Words

• excellent
• masterful
• skillful
• superb