ambidextrous
ambidextrous
Pronunciation
IPA pronunciation for "ambidextrous":
/ˌæmbɪˈdekstrəs/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
am (ˌæm):
/ˌ/: alveolar flap (short, single flap of the tongue against the alveolar ridge)
/æ/: near-open front unrounded vowel (similar to the "a" in "cat")
/m/: bilabial nasal (sound produced by closing both lips and letting air flow through the nose)
bi (bɪ):
/b/: bilabial plosive (sound produced by stopping airflow completely with both lips, then releasing)
/ɪ/: near-close near-front unrounded vowel (similar to the "i" in "bit")
dex (dɛk):
/d/: alveolar plosive (sound produced by stopping airflow completely with the tongue against the alveolar ridge, then releasing)
/ɛ/: open-mid front unrounded vowel (similar to the "e" in "bet")
/k/: velar plosive (sound produced by stopping airflow completely with the back of the tongue against the velum, then releasing)
trous (strəs):
/t/: alveolar plosive (same as /d/)
/ɹ/: alveolar approximant (sound produced by vibrating the tip of the tongue near the alveolar ridge)
/ə/: schwa (central mid central vowel, a neutral vowel sound)
/s/: alveolar fricative (sound produced by creating a turbulent airflow through a narrow channel between the tongue and the teeth)
Word Form Variations
Ambidextrous is primarily an adjective. Here are the related word forms:
Adverb: ambidextrously (describes how someone performs an action with both hands skillfully)
Noun: ambidexterity (the ability to use both hands equally well)
There isn't a separate plural form for "ambidextrous" since it describes a characteristic. You would use the same word for both singular and plural contexts (e.g., "She is ambidextrous" and "They are both ambidextrous").
There's also a lesser-known term:
Pseudo-ambidextrous: This adjective describes someone who isn't truly ambidextrous but can use both hands to some degree.
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition: Able to use both hands with equal skill and ease.
Synonyms: two-handed, equipoised, versatile (in hand usage)
Antonyms: right-handed, left-handed, one-handed
Noun:
Definition 1: The ability to use both hands equally well.
Synonyms: two-handedness, bimanuality
Antonyms: handedness (implies dominance of one hand), lateral dominance
Adverb:
Definition: In a way that shows skill with both hands.
Synonyms: two-handedly, with both hands
Antonyms: one-handedly, with just one hand (implies difficulty using both hands)
Examples of Use
Literature:
Book: "Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance man, was said to be ambidextrous, contributing to his mastery of painting, sculpting, and engineering." (Hypothetical biography)
News/Online Publications:
Newspaper: "The young gymnast's ambidexterity allows her to perform complex manoeuvres with both hands equally well." (Local newspaper article)
Online Publication: "A recent study suggests that playing musical instruments as a child can promote ambidexterity in later life." (Science website)
Entertainment Mediums:
Movie: In the movie "The Princess Bride," Westley (played by Cary Elwes) fights with his sword ambidextrously, showcasing his impressive skill.
Video Game: Many video game characters can be customised to be ambidextrous, allowing players to choose which hand the character wields their weapon in.
Public Discourse:
Conversation: "My brother is ambidextrous, he can write with both his left and right hand equally well." (Everyday conversation)
Social Media: "Learning to juggle has helped me improve my ambidexterity and hand-eye coordination." (Social media post)
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Ambidextrous
Unfortunately, there aren't many famous quotes that directly use the word "ambidextrous." The concept isn't as readily used in famous sayings compared to more common words. However, here are ten quotes that capture the essence of being ambidextrous or having a versatile skillset:
"A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." - Proverb (This proverb reflects the idea that being versatile, even if not an expert in everything, can be valuable.)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates (This quote emphasises the importance of being open to learning new things and not being limited by your current skills.)
"The mind is everything. What you think you become." - Buddha (This quote highlights the power of our thoughts and the potential to develop new abilities.)
"Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein (A curious mind is always exploring new possibilities, which aligns with the concept of being ambidextrous or versatile.)
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein (Another Einstein quote emphasising the value of continuous learning and exploration.)
"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." - Jimmy Johnson (This quote suggests that putting in the extra effort to develop skills beyond the basic level can lead to exceptional results.)
"I fear not the man who has practised 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practised one kick 10,000 times." - Bruce Lee (While not directly about ambidexterity, this quote emphasises the importance of deliberate practice to develop mastery, which can be applied to mastering using both hands.)
"The key is to keep moving forward. Making mistakes is perfectly fine, as long as you are learning from them." - Albert Einstein (This quote encourages continuous learning and improvement, which is important for developing ambidexterity.)
"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune." - Jim Rohn (This quote emphasises the importance of taking initiative and continuously learning beyond formal education, which can help develop new skills like ambidexterity.)
"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." - Zig Ziglar (This quote encourages taking the first step towards a goal, like becoming ambidextrous, even if you're not perfect at it initially.)
Etymology
The word "ambidextrous" is like a mashup of two Latin words: "ambi" meaning "both" and "dexter" meaning "right" or "skillful." So, literally, it translates to "both right" or "skillful with both."
The word first showed up in English around the 1600s. Interestingly, back then, it wasn't used to describe someone who could write with both hands. Instead, it had a more suspicious meaning! It referred to someone who was, well, a bit of a double-dealer – someone who would take bribes from both sides in a legal case, for example.
Over time, the meaning shifted to what we know today – someone who can skillfully use both hands.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Ambidextrous
Interestingly, there aren't many common idioms or phrases that directly use "ambidextrous." However, here are a few creative options and related expressions that capture the essence of the word:
Two-handed: This is a simple and straightforward way to describe someone who can use both hands well, similar to ambidextrous.
A jack of all trades: This idiom describes someone who is good at many different things, which aligns with the idea of being versatile and having the skill to use both hands.
Work both sides of the street: This idiom has a slightly negative connotation, implying someone who is not loyal and can be manipulative. It can be a humorous way to describe someone who uses both hands with equal ease, but be cautious of the context to avoid any misunderstandings.
Have all their ducks in a row: This idiom doesn't directly relate to ambidexterity, but it describes someone who is well-prepared and organised, which can be helpful when using both hands for a task.
Think on your feet: This idiom describes someone who is adaptable and can react quickly to changing situations. It can be applied to someone who can use both hands effectively depending on the circumstances.
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Source Information
Definition of ambidextrous from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.