deft

[ deft ]

adjective

, deft·er, deft·est.

1. dexterous; nimble; skillful; clever:

   deft hands;

   a deft mechanic.

deft

/ dɛft /

adjective

1. quick and neat in movement; nimble; dexterous

Derived Forms

• ˈdeftly, adverb
• ˈdeftness, noun

Other Words From

• deft·ly adverb
• deft·ness noun
• un·deft adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deft¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; variant of daft

Word History and Origins

Origin of deft¹

C13 (in the sense: gentle): see daft

Synonym Study

See dexterous.

Example Sentences

He is Dave Roberts, and there’s very few managers walking this earth who could have matched his deft handling of all the October bullpen games and injuries and intrigue.

From Los Angeles Times

The Wallabies’ deft offloading, like the All Blacks seven days earlier, outfoxed England out wide as men were missed and passing channels left open.

From BBC

He impressively mixed belligerent strokes with classy drives and deft touches.

From BBC

When Smith got on the end of Moleka's deft grubber kick to score Australia's third try inside 23 minutes, it looked as though the game was over as a contest.

From BBC

In “Saturday Night,” she is especially deft at wrangling an already difficult Belushi, but in reality, he sometimes refused to star in sketches written by her and Beatts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adept
• adroit
• ingenious
• nimble
• proficient
• quick
• skillful