Definition of masterful
1a : inclined and usually competent to act as masterb : suggestive of a domineering nature
2 : having or reflecting the power and skill of a master
masterfulness
nounFrom the M-W Editors
masterful was our Word of the Day on 05/02/2015. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
masterful vs. masterly
Some commentators insist that use of masterful should be limited to its early “domineering” sense 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 the “domineering” sense of masterful, 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 to mean “having mastery” as an error. This later sense 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 in a Sentence
His manner was masterful and abrupt.
a masterful work of art
He did a masterful job of staying out of trouble.
Recent Examples of masterful from the Web
-
Papa Haydn's masterful oratorio also happens to be one of the Chicago Symphony Chorus' signature pieces.
-
Ramsey Zimmerman, aboard Money or Love for the first time, gave her a masterful ride to earn his first stakes victory since 2015.
-
But the original recording is still masterful in its execution.
-
Rhinehart was masterful on the mound all day, shutting down the Camas offense with both her control and her change-of-pace.
-
The recent recognition of this masterful musician is long overdue.
-
Perhaps the next hero will be one of the coaches — Nashville's Peter Laviolette or Pittsburgh's Mike Sullivan — both of whom have been masterful in the playoffs.
-
By turns infuriating and poignant, visceral without being cloying, it’s masterful (and masterfully reported) testimony to the people most affected by the storm.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'masterful'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
Some commentators insist that masterful must only mean "domineering," reserving the "expert, skillful" sense for masterly. The distinction is a modern one. In earlier times, the terms were used interchangeably, with each having both the "domineering" and "expert" senses. The "domineering" sense of masterly fell into disuse around the 18th century, however, and in the 20th century the famous grammarian H. W. Fowler decided that masterful should be similarly limited to a single meaning. He summarily ruled that the "expert" definition of masterful was incorrect. Other usage writers followed his lead. But the "expert" meaning of masterful has continued to flourish in standard prose in spite of the disapproval, and, considering the sense's long history, it cannot really be called an error.
15th Century
First Known Use of masterful
15th century
Synonym Discussion of masterful
MASTERFUL Defined for English Language Learners
masterful
playDefinition of masterful for English Language Learners
-
: able to take control of people or situations
-
: very skillful
MASTERFUL Defined for Kids
masterful
playDefinition of masterful for Students
1 : tending to take control : displaying authority
2 : having or showing great skill a masterful sailor
Learn More about masterful
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for masterful Spanish Central: Translation of masterful Nglish: Translation of masterful for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up masterful? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!