dexterity

[dek-ster-i-tee]

noun

1. skill or adroitness in using the hands or body; agility.

2. mental adroitness or skill; cleverness.

dexterity

/ dɛkˈstɛrɪtɪ /

noun

1. physical, esp manual, skill or nimbleness

2. mental skill or adroitness: cleverness

3. rare,  the characteristic of being right-handed

Other Word Forms

• nondexterity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dexterity¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin dexteritās “readiness, skillfulness,” from dexter “skillful” + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of dexterity¹

C16: from Latin dexteritās aptness, readiness, prosperity; see _dexter ¹

Example Sentences

Scored tries in the first and second Test, scrummaged well, carried with the pace and dexterity of a top-class centre but with the power of a beast.

From BBC

He is the real deal: the centre-forward of the calibre and tactical dexterity pretty much every 'Big Six' club has been looking for.

From BBC

I was struck by the dexterity with which she used tofu in manners that aren’t obvious or the usual.

From Salon

Those fingers come with a long, skeletal middle digit equipped with a ball-and-socket joint for horrifying dexterity, like the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come beckoning Ebenezer Scrooge to gaze upon his own sordid death.

From Salon

Four years ago, he was ushered into the fray early in the deciding third Test against the Springboks and, although the tourists lost, Russell's dexterity and daring stood out.

From BBC

Related Words

• artistry 
• cleverness www.thesaurus.com
• deftness 
• finesse 
• ingenuity 
• knack 
• know-how 
• mastery 
• nimbleness www.thesaurus.com
• proficiency 
• skill 
• smoothness www.thesaurus.com
• tact