deft

deft

adj \ˈdeft\

Definition of DEFT

: characterized by facility and skill

— deft·ly adverb

— deft·ness \ˈdef(t)-nəs\ noun

Examples of DEFT

1. The photographer is known for her deft use of lighting.
2. <a luthier whose deft craftsmanship is prized by violinists the world over>

Origin of DEFT

Middle English defte gentle — more at daft

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to DEFT

Synonyms: adroit, artful, bravura, skillful, delicate, dexterous (also dextrous), expert, masterful, masterly, practiced (also practised), virtuoso, workmanlike

Antonyms: amateur, amateurish, artless, rude, unprofessional, unskillful

Related Words: facile, smooth; artistic, creative, fancy, ingenious, neat; adept, clever, cunning; able, adequate, capable, competent

Near Antonyms: awkward, clumsy, crude, klutzy; ineffective, ineffectual; incompetent, inept

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at dexterous

Rhymes with DEFT

cleft, eft, heft, klepht, left, theft, weft