noun
dexterity
dek-STAIR-uh-tee/dekˈsterəti/
Skill and ease in performing tasks.
She juggles three balls with relaxed dexterity.
Etymology
Latin dexter joined the ideas of “right-hand” and “skillful.” With its quality-forming ending, dexterity names skillfulness, especially ease in using the hands or body.
In context
several of the country shows wherein they exceed all nations I have known both for dexterity and magnificence I was diverted with none so much as that of the Rope dancers performed upon a slender white thread
More examples
- She practices scales to improve her finger dexterity.
- His verbal dexterity helps him answer difficult questions gracefully.
- The task requires patience as well as dexterity.
Forms
dexterity
Similar words
- skill
- The broader term for proficiency in a task.
- adroitness
- Adroitness is skillful handling; dexterity often stresses quick, controlled physical or mental execution.