dexterity

[ dek-ster-i-tee ]

noun

1. skill or adroitness in using the hands or body; agility.
2. mental adroitness or skill; cleverness.

dexterity

/ dɛkˈstɛrɪtɪ /

noun

1. physical, esp manual, skill or nimbleness
2. mental skill or adroitness: cleverness
3. rare.
   the characteristic of being right-handed

Other Words From

• nondex·teri·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dexterity¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin dexteritās “readiness, skillfulness,” from dexter “skillful” + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of dexterity¹

C16: from Latin dexteritās aptness, readiness, prosperity; see dexter ¹

Example Sentences

Redmayne says she has “an effervescence and a dexterity and can play all colors of emotion,” which was why she felt right for Bianca.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to his defensive dexterity, Edman, 29, is a switch-hitter who has historically been equally productive from both sides of the plate, giving manager Dave Roberts maximum flexibility for daily lineup decisions and in-game moves.

From Los Angeles Times

"Primarily we were looking at doing this as access for people with disabilities, or mobility and dexterity issues, who struggle using keys specifically," she tells the BBC.

From BBC

Kelli showcases Rothwell’s dexterity with slapstick while Belinda demands restraint, a necessity to show off Jennifer Coolidge’s flailing goofery.

From Salon

Perhaps most significantly, there was lingering doubt over whether frail, arthritic Griff, who used a stick around the farm, suffered with curvature of the spine and had "clawlike" hands affecting his dexterity, would have been physically capable of doing what he was accused of.

From BBC

Related Words

• artistry
• cleverness
• deftness
• finesse
• ingenuity
• knack
• know-how
• mastery
• nimbleness
• proficiency
• skill
• smoothness
• tact