Dexter

Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdɛk.stɚ/ (American English)

/ˈdɛk.stə/ (British English)

Definitions

• (Adjective) Relating to or located on the right side.
• (Adjective) Skillful, especially with the hands; dexterous.
• (Noun) A male given name of Latin origin meaning "right-handed" or "fortunate."

Usage Examples

• The knight held his shield in his left hand and his sword in his dexter hand.
• His dexter movements impressed the audience during the performance.
• Dexter is a popular name with historical and literary significance.

Etymology

From Latin dexter ("on the right side, skillful, fortunate"). The word has been used in English since the late Middle Ages.

Synonyms

• Right-hand
• Skillful
• Dexterous

Antonyms

• Sinister (left-hand, in heraldry)
• Clumsy

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈdɛk.stɚ/
• British English: /ˈdɛk.stə/

Historical Usage

In heraldry, "dexter" refers to the right side of a shield from the wearer's perspective, often associated with honor and strength.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the right hand is associated with skill, strength, and positivity, influencing the use of "dexter" in various contexts.

More Information

Dexter is often used metaphorically to signify skill or capability. The term has been widely adopted in heraldry and various fields, including medicine and linguistics. The word also gained popularity as a given name and in popular media, such as the television series "Dexter."