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

The real trick here was not performed by Geller, but by Carson, who deftly played the role of generous host, making something that could easily have seemed cruel come off as kind.

From New York Times

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

This impression is reinforced by the fact that Faulkner deftly controlled Trump when he was threatening to go on rants about the 2020 election or other topics that are unpopular even with many Republican voters.

From Salon

A Dodgers clubhouse attendant swooped in and deftly collected the serpentine intruder in a towel.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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