deftly

[ deft-lee ]

adverb

1. in a dexterous or nimble manner; skillfully:

   The nightjar, a nocturnal bird, is an aerial hunter capable of deftly snatching moths from the air in mid flight.

   With clear, concise prose, the author navigates deftly through a complex narrative of diplomacy, war, and politics.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deftly¹

deft ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East and a perversely charming Hugh Grant commit to a deftly acted, somewhat predictable horror movie set in a remote house with secrets.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is a new type of prosthesis. Its main feature is fast manufacture. It means it will be ready for the patient within only one to two hours,” explains Jordanian army doctor, Lt Abdullah Hamada, who has deftly fitted Rizeq with his replacement leg.

From BBC

I sigh with relief as it deftly turns and continues in the direction we have just come.

From BBC

I used mine to cut a bouquet outside, deftly harvest some green beans, lemons and eggplants, and even cut finger-sized branches with ease.

From Los Angeles Times

Though the sightseeing may, at first, seem like a device to throw the estranged David and Benji together for a much needed if inevitably fraught reunion, Eisenberg deftly blends the story’s strands in darkly amusing, moving and combustible ways.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ably
• adroitly
• artfully
• carefully
• cleverly
• coolly
• deliberately
• intelligently
• judiciously
• keenly
• knowingly
• skillfully
• slyly
• smartly