i Register
In some senses, dexterous is marked as archaic, figuratively. Watch for register when choosing this word.
dexterous
/ˈdɛkstɹəs/
adj 4
Collocations
5ADJ.
acute, delicate, inquisitive, most, prompt, soft
VERB + DEXTEROUS
designed, isn't
DEXTEROUS + NOUN
chopsticks
PREP.
in, with
ADV.
pleasingly
Definitions
adj
1
Skillful with one's hands.
She is pleasingly dexterous with the chopsticks, and keeps one hand lying palm up on her lap. Pinched with just the right pressure between the sticks; funny how plump women have that delicate touch.
2
Skillful in some specific thing.
We went frequently out with this boat a-fishing; and as I was most dexterous to catch fish for him, he never went without me.
3
Agile; flexible; able to move fluidly and gracefully.
4
Skilled at argumentation; mentally skillful; quick-witted.
1775, speech by Edmund Burke […] the study [of law] renders men acute, inquisitive, dexterous, prompt in attack, ready in defense […]
Thesaurus
Synonyms
adjective — skillful in physical movements
- deft
- dextrous
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
601
She is pleasingly dexterous with the chopsticks, and keeps one hand lying palm up on her lap. Pinched with just the right pressure between the sticks; funny how plump women have that delicate touch.
Wiktionary02
We went frequently out with this boat a-fishing; and as I was most dexterous to catch fish for him, he never went without me.
Wiktionary03
1775, speech by Edmund Burke […] the study [of law] renders men acute, inquisitive, dexterous, prompt in attack, ready in defense […]
Wiktionary04
Tom is very dexterous.
Tatoeba · #102477405
I'm very dexterous.
Tatoeba · #586067606
The robotic hands are designed to be dexterous, soft and delicate like people.
Tatoeba · #11121874Usage Notes
Your note
not saved0 chars