skill

¹

[ skil ]

noun

1. the ability, coming from one's knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well:

   Carpentry was one of his many skills.

   Synonyms: facility, proficiency

   Antonyms: inability

2. competent excellence in performance; expertness; dexterity:

   The dancers performed with skill.

   Synonyms: cleverness, deftness

3. a craft, trade, or job requiring manual dexterity or special training in which a person has competence and experience:

   the skill of cabinetmaking.

4. Obsolete. understanding; discernment.
5. Obsolete. reason; cause.

skill

²

[ skil ]

verb (used without object)

, Archaic.

1. to matter.
2. to help; avail.

skill

/ skɪl /

noun

1. special ability in a task, sport, etc, esp ability acquired by training
2. something, esp a trade or technique, requiring special training or manual proficiency
3. obsolete.
   understanding

Derived Forms

• ˈskill-less, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skill¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English, from Old Norse skil “distinction, difference”; cognate with Dutch geschil “difference, quarrel”; skill ²( def )

Origin of skill²

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English skilien, from Old Norse skilja “to distinguish, divide,” akin to skil ( skill ¹( def ) ), Old English scylian “to separate,” Gothic skilja “butcher,” Lithuanian skélti “to split”

Word History and Origins

Origin of skill¹

C12: from Old Norse skil distinction; related to Middle Low German schēle, Middle Dutch geschil difference

Example Sentences

With all due respect to his athletic skill, Gronkowski is not high on the list of NFL players that elicit carnal thoughts.

From The Daily Beast

Investigators will focus on whether the sudden emergency was so extreme that no degree of pilot skill would have helped.

From The Daily Beast

As the steaks are eaten, Mount, who has some skill in these things, brings up the movie.

From The Daily Beast

Conflicts and resolutions were staged with the skill of a chessplayer working out new endgame strategies.

From The Daily Beast

He finishes off the task he has set himself here with considerable precision and skill.

From The Daily Beast

Here convincing proof was given of Mme. Mesdag's accuracy, originality of interpretation, and her skill in the use of color.

From Project Gutenberg

Tobacco requires a great deal of skill and trouble in the right management of it.

From Project Gutenberg

The Gentleman's Magazine contains a long list of the bridges and churches which attest his reputation and skill.

From Project Gutenberg

The Winnebagos also manufacture pipes of the same form, but of a smaller size, in lead, with considerable skill.

From Project Gutenberg

I was soon surprised to find that I too had a taste for statistics and acquired some skill in their compilation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accomplishment
• art
• artistry
• clout
• competence
• dexterity
• experience
• expertise
• finesse
• ingenuity
• intelligence
• job
• know-how
• proficiency
• prowess
• quickness
• readiness
• savvy
• technique