Word 'dexterity' in Other Languages
- dexterity in Assamese অসমীয়া
- dexterity in Bengali বাংলা
- dexterity in Bodo बड़ो
- dexterity in Dogri डोगरी
- dexterity in English
- dexterity in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- dexterity in Hindi हिन्दी
- dexterity in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- dexterity in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- dexterity in Konkani कोंकणी
- dexterity in Maithili মৈথিলী
- dexterity in Malayalam മലയാളം
- dexterity in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- dexterity in Marathi मराठी
- dexterity in Nepali नेपाली
- dexterity in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- dexterity in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- dexterity in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- dexterity in Santali
- dexterity in Sindhi سنڌي
- dexterity in Tamil தமிழ்
- dexterity in Telugu తెలుగు
- dexterity in Urdu اُردُو
Dexterity
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/dɛkˈstɛr.ɪ.ti/ (American English)
/dɛkˈstɛr.ɪ.ti/ (British English)
Definitions
- Skill and ease in using the hands or body.
- Mental quickness or agility.
- The ability to think and act quickly and cleverly.
Usage Examples
- Her dexterity with the violin was astonishing.
- He showed great dexterity in negotiating the deal.
- The magician's dexterity amazed the audience.
Etymology
From Latin dextritas, from dexter ("right-handed, skillful"). The term entered English in the 16th century.
Synonyms
- Agility
- Skillfulness
- Adeptness
- Nimbleness
Antonyms
- Clumsiness
- Awkwardness
- Ineptitude
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Destreza | /desˈtɾe.sa/ |
| French | Dexterité | /dɛks.te.ʁi.te/ |
| German | Geschicklichkeit | /ɡəˈʃɪk.lɪçˌkaɪ̯t/ |
| Hindi | निपुणता (Nipunata) | /nɪˈpu.ɳə.t̪a/ |
| Tamil | திறமை (Thiramai) | /t̪i.ra.mai/ |
| Mandarin | 灵巧 (Língqiǎo) | /lǐŋ˧˥.tɕʰjɑʊ˨˩˦/ |
| Japanese | 器用さ (Kiyōsa) | /ki.joː.sa/ |
| Russian | Ловкость (Lovkost') | /ˈlof.kəstʲ/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- American English: /dɛkˈstɛr.ɪ.ti/
- British English: /dɛkˈstɛr.ɪ.ti/
Historical Usage
The term has been in use since the 16th century, originally referring to manual skill but later expanding to mental agility.
Cultural Nuances
Dexterity is often associated with professions requiring precision, such as surgeons, musicians, and athletes. It also carries metaphorical meanings, such as political or business acumen.
More Information
Dexterity plays a key role in various fields, from performing arts to technology. The concept is valued across cultures, often seen as a mark of intelligence, efficiency, and mastery in a craft.