dexterity
dexterity
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling of "dexterity"
IPA: /dɛkˈstɛrɪti/
Syllable Breakdown:
de /dɛ/
/d/ - voiced alveolar stop
/ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel
xter /kstɛr/
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
/s/ - voiceless alveolar sibilant fricative
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop
/ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel
/r/ - alveolar approximant
ity /ɪti/
/ɪ/ - close front unrounded vowel
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop
/i/ - high front unrounded vowel
Word Form Variations
Dexterity is already in its singular form. It doesn't have a plural form.
There are no other common word form variations for "dexterity" in English.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: Skillful and nimble use of the hands or body.
Synonyms: agility, adroitness, deftness, nimbleness, quickness
Antonyms: clumsiness, awkwardness, ineptitude
Adjective
Definition: Showing skill and quickness of movement.
Synonyms: agile, adroit, deft, nimble, quick
Antonyms: clumsy, awkward, inept
Example sentence: He is a dexterous basketball player.
Note: While there isn't a common verb form directly derived from "dexterity," the adjective form can be used in verb phrases to convey the idea of skillful or nimble action.
Examples of Use
Books
"He watched with a mixture of admiration and envy as the old man's dexterity with the knife transformed a piece of raw meat into a work of art." (From The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho)
"Her dexterity with the needle was unmatched, and her quilts were renowned throughout the town." (From The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett)
Newspapers
"The pickpocket's dexterity allowed him to slip his hand into the victim's pocket unnoticed." (The New York Times)
"The surgeon's dexterity was evident as he performed the delicate operation." (The Guardian)
Online Publications
"The video game requires a high degree of dexterity to master the controls." (Kotaku)
"The magician's dexterity with his hands made his illusions seem impossible." (The Spruce)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
In the TV show Breaking Bad, Walter White demonstrates remarkable dexterity in his chemistry experiments.
In the video game Guitar Hero, players must use their dexterity to mimic the movements of a guitar player.
In the movie The Matrix, Neo's dexterity allows him to fight off multiple opponents at once.
General Public Discourse
"Her dexterity with words made her a popular speaker."
"The pianist's dexterity was on full display during his performance."
"The gymnast's dexterity was evident as she performed a series of difficult routines."
Note: These examples are just a few of the many ways in which the word "dexterity" is used in real-world contexts. The word's versatility allows it to be applied to a wide range of situations and activities.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Dexterity
"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it with dexterity." — Molière
"Dexterity with words is one of the surest signs of a well-organized mind." — Anonymous
"Nothing shows a man’s character more than what he laughs at, and how he handles pressure with grace and dexterity." — Goethe (paraphrased)
"True dexterity is not just in the hands, but in the mind." — Anonymous
"Success in battle is not always to the strong, but to those who apply strategy with dexterity." — Anonymous
"Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way, with tact and dexterity." — David Frost
"It takes dexterity to balance ambition with humility." — Anonymous
"In art as in life, dexterity without sincerity is hollow." — Anonymous
"The fingers of a musician may show dexterity, but it's the soul that gives music its truth." — Anonymous
"Dexterity in conversation is not speaking much, but speaking well." — Anonymous
Etymology
Dexterity comes from the Latin word "dexter," which means "right-handed." This is because in many cultures, the right hand has been associated with strength, skill, and goodness.
Over time, the word "dexter" evolved into "dexterity" to describe the general skill and ability to use one's hands, regardless of whether the person is right-handed or left-handed. The first known use of "dexterity" in English was in the late 14th century.
So, essentially, "dexterity" means "skillfulness with the hands" and has its roots in the association of the right hand with skill and ability.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Dexterity
General Phrases
Quick with one's hands
Skilled at...
A master of...
Nimble fingers
A deft touch
Idioms
To have a knack for something
To have a gift for something
To be a natural at something
To have a green thumb (for gardening)
To have a way with words
These idioms and phrases can be used to express the same ideas as "dexterity," but in a more colloquial and idiomatic way.
Posts Related to Dexterity
Source Information
Definition of dexterity from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
