masterly

[ mas-ter-lee, mah-ster- ]

adjective

1. like or befitting a master, as in skill or art; worthy of a a master; very skillful:

   a masterly presentation of the budget.

adverb

1. in a masterly manner.

masterly

/ ˈmɑːstəlɪ /

adjective

1. of the skill befitting a master

   a masterly performance

Confusables Note

See masterful.

Derived Forms

• ˈmasterliness, noun

Other Words From

• master·li·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of masterly¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; master, -ly

Example Sentences

His protagonist is a photographer who has fallen for a dancer, and Nelson proves masterly at writing young love, clocking the small and seemingly meaningless moments that encompass longing.

From Time

Signori is a masterly oil painter who builds images in the classical manner with a succession of glazes.

From Washington Post

How her role became more “maternal rather than marital,” and branding Hawking an “all-powerful emperor” and “masterly puppeteer.”

From The Daily Beast

Ten years of sweat by Charles Graeber lead to a masterly account of a man trusted to heal who instead killed with impunity.

From The Daily Beast

How he did it in the year 1973 is explained by Horne in a masterly and compelling way.

From The Daily Beast

Then he gave his evidence in his usual masterly convincing way and I listened in admiration.

From Project Gutenberg

The latter, Mr. Adams liked much, a "masterly man" who was very strong for the most vigorous measures.

From Project Gutenberg

Modern times, we are convinced, have witnessed but few instances of such a masterly policy, combined with signal self-reliance.

From Project Gutenberg

Four miles before reaching Candy, we came to the river Mahavilaganga, which is spanned by a masterly bridge of one arch.

From Project Gutenberg

Or take Glinkas Night in Madrid; in what a masterly fashion the various sections of this overture are fused together!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• excellent
• masterful
• skillful
• superb