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adept

Q: How is the word 'adept' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of adept are expert , proficient , skilled , and skillful . While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency. // adept at doing long division

Q: When is it sensible to use 'expert' instead of 'adept'?

While in some cases nearly identical to adept , expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill. // expert in the evaluation of wines

Q: When is 'proficient' a more appropriate choice than 'adept'?

In some situations, the words proficient and adept are roughly equivalent. However, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice. // proficient in translating foreign languages

Q: In what contexts can 'skilled' take the place of 'adept'?

The words skilled and adept can be used in similar contexts, but skilled stresses mastery of technique. // a skilled surgeon

Q: When might 'skillful' be a better fit than 'adept'?

The meanings of skillful and adept largely overlap; however, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance. // skillful drivers

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of adept

(Entry 1 of 2)

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor

he's an adept pitcher, and the team is lucky to have him

Synonyms for adept

Words Related to adept

gifted,
talented

polished,
refined

long-term,
old

Near Antonyms for adept

Antonyms for adept

adept

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of adept (Entry 2 of 2)

a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field

even by the standards of Washington, he's an adept at political intrigue and power politics

Synonyms for adept

ace,
artist,
authority,
cognoscente,
connoisseur,
crackerjack
(also crackajack),
dab
[chiefly British],
dab hand
[chiefly British],
expert,
fiend,
geek,
guru,
hand,
hotshot,
maestro,
master,
maven
(also mavin),
meister,
past master,
proficient,
scholar,
shark,
sharp,
virtuoso,
whiz,
wizard

Words Related to adept

pro,
professional

mistress

Near Antonyms for adept

dabbler,
dilettante

Antonyms for adept

Frequently Asked Questions About adept

How is the word adept distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of adept are expert, proficient, skilled, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When is it sensible to use expert instead of adept?

While in some cases nearly identical to adept, expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

When is proficient a more appropriate choice than adept?

In some situations, the words proficient and adept are roughly equivalent. However, proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages