- Skillful in the use of the hands.
- Having mental skill or adroitness.
- Done with dexterity.
[From Latin dexter, skillful. See dexter.]
dexterously dex'ter·ous·ly adv.dexterousness dex'ter·ous·ness n.
SYNONYMS dexterous, deft, adroit, handy, nimble. These adjectives refer to skill and ease in performance. Dexterous implies physical or mental agility: dexterous fingers. Deft suggests quickness, sureness, neatness, and lightness of touch: deft strokes; a deft turn of phrase. Adroit implies ease and natural skill, especially in challenging situations: an adroit skier; an adroit negotiator. Handy suggests a more modest aptitude, principally in manual work: handy with tools. Nimble stresses quickness and lightness in physical or mental performance: nimble feet; nimble wits.




