masterfully
/ˈmɑː.stə.fəl.i/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
In a very skilful, confident, and expert way. It describes an action done with great control and good technique.
- She masterfully handled the difficult questions.
- The violin solo was masterfully played.
- He masterfully guided the team through the crisis.
Adinary Nuance
Masterfully is close to skilfully, expertly, and brilliantly, but it suggests strong control and impressive technique. It is often used when someone does something difficult with ease and authority. Compared with well, it sounds much more impressive and specific. Compared with cleverly, it focuses more on skill than on quick thinking.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- một cách điêu luyện
- Spanish
- maestralmente
- Chinese
- 巧妙地
- Japanese
- 巧みに
- Korean
- 능숙하게
Etymology
Masterfully comes from masterful, with the adverb ending -ly. Masterful entered English in the 1600s from master, which came through Old French from Latin magister, meaning 'teacher' or 'chief'.
Common phrases
masterfully donemasterfully writtenmasterfully playedmasterfully handled
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is masterfully formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and often used in writing, reviews, and speeches.
- What is the difference between masterfully and skilfully?
- Both mean 'in a skilled way,' but masterfully sounds stronger and more impressive.
- Can I use masterfully in everyday conversation?
- Yes, but it sounds a little polished. People use it most in praise or commentary.
- Does masterfully mean 'perfectly'?
- Not exactly. It means very skilfully, but not always without mistakes.