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

"It took a lot of years to get all of the skills back," she said.

From BBC

Children aged between three and seven who are slower at acquiring skills to manage their intense emotions were also found to be at risk of displaying more conduct issues.

From Science Daily

“He had honed his skills and was totally ready. And he is just a hell of a coach.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mississippi State transfer Jo’Quavious Marks and his family believe USC coach Lincoln Riley’s offense is perfect for his mix of toughness and skill.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump “has centered parental rights back in his platform, which is incredible. He has prioritized knowledge and skill, not identity politics,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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