masterful

mas·ter·ful

adjective \ˈmas-tər-fəl\

Definition of MASTERFUL

1

a : inclined and usually competent to act as master

b : suggestive of a domineering nature

2

: having or reflecting the power and skill of a master

— mas·ter·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— mas·ter·ful·ness noun

Usage Discussion of MASTERFUL

Some commentators insist that use of masterful should be limited to sense 1 in order to preserve a distinction between it and masterly. The distinction is a modern one, excogitated by a 20th century pundit in disregard of the history of the word. Both words developed in a parallel manner but the earlier sense of masterly, equivalent to masterful 1, dropped out of use. Since masterly had but one sense, the pundit opined that it would be tidy if masterful were likewise limited to one sense and he forthwith condemned use of masterful 2 as an error. Sense 2 of masterful, which is slightly older than the sense of masterly intended to replace it, has continued in reputable use all along; it cannot rationally be called an error.

Examples of MASTERFUL

1. His manner was masterful and abrupt.
2. a masterful work of art
3. He did a masterful job of staying out of trouble.

First Known Use of MASTERFUL

15th century

Related to MASTERFUL

Synonyms

adroit, artful, bravura, deft, delicate, dexterous (also dextrous), expert, skillful, 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

Synonym Discussion of MASTERFUL

masterful, domineering, imperious, peremptory, imperative mean tending to impose one's will on others. masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively <her masterful personality soon dominated the movement>. domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will <children controlled by domineering parents>. imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance <an imperious executive used to getting his own way>. peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent <given a peremptory dismissal>. imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate <an imperative appeal for assistance>.Some commentators insist that use of masterful should be limited to sense 1 in order to preserve a distinction between it and masterly. The distinction is a modern one, excogitated by a 20th century pundit in disregard of the history of the word. Both words developed in a parallel manner but the earlier sense of masterly, equivalent to masterful 1, dropped out of use. Since masterly had but one sense, the pundit opined that it would be tidy if masterful were likewise limited to one sense and he forthwith condemned use of masterful 2 as an error. Sense 2 of masterful, which is slightly older than the sense of masterly intended to replace it, has continued in reputable use all along; it cannot rationally be called an error.