mastery

[ mas-tuh-ree, mah-stuh- ]

noun

, plural mas·ter·ies

1. command or grasp, as of a subject:

   a mastery of Italian.

2. superiority or victory:

   mastery over one's enemies.

3. the act of mastering.
4. expert skill or knowledge.
5. the state of being master; power of command or control.

mastery

/ ˈmɑːstərɪ /

noun

1. full command or understanding of a subject
2. outstanding skill; expertise
3. the power of command; control
4. victory or superiority

Other Words From

• non·master·y noun plural nonmasteries
• pre·master·y noun
• re·master·y noun plural remasteries

Word History and Origins

Origin of mastery¹

1175–1225; master + -y ³; replacing Middle English maistrie < Old French

Example Sentences

Its legislative successes—Obama’s health care law, Biden’s green tech investments—have been narrow procedural affairs, negotiated through mastery of Capitol Hill process rather than the mobilization of public energy and emotion.

From Slate

A report by the National Center for Education Statistics found that although high school students were taking more credits and tougher courses and getting higher grades in math, their actual mastery of the material had declined.

From Los Angeles Times

His mastery was punctuated at the end of Game 5 of the World Series when he visited the mound in the eighth inning, looked Blake Treinen in the eyes and kept him in to finish the inning.

From Los Angeles Times

His Madison Square Garden rally was another example of his mastery of propaganda, the spectacle and politics as entertainment.

From Salon

The program is the first in the California community college system designed as competency-based education, meaning rather than earning traditional grades, students must prove mastery of specific skills, said Cody Jacobsen, director of ag innovation at Merced College.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ability
• comprehension
• dexterity
• familiarity
• finesse
• genius
• grasp
• knack
• know-how
• knowledge
• proficiency
• prowess
• skill
• understanding
• virtuosity
• wizardry