dexterity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dexterity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe someone's physical or mental ability to do something using their hands or mind, such as: "Her dexterity in the kitchen was impressive, as she prepared a gourmet dinner in a matter of minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"While you can train someone to say speak a little more slowly in a stressful situation, it's also about vocal dexterity, the way a person uses their voice and certain people are more flexible with that.

The Guardian

Like Mercury, Lambert paid his dues with opera training, theatre, singing in clubs and performing dance and rock, which has given him the dexterity to tackle a catalogue stretching from thumping grooves (Radio Gaga, Another One Bites the Dust) to blistering hard rock (Seven Seas of Rhye, Tie Your Mother Down).

The Guardian - Music

It's now four episodes in to its eight-episode run, and it has become, somehow, a sensitive, sweet and funny look at teenage life that handles confusing sexuality with surprising dexterity.

The Guardian

And she saw in the dexterity and flow of the surgeon's hand movements an affinity that she tried to capture in beautiful drawings, and which she seemed to embody in her sculpture.

The Guardian - Arts

If you watch a top-class game of hurling, the speed, strength, dexterity and personal courage on display do remind you of warriors in the hurly-burly of war before armour and technology.

The Guardian

Maybe, with insight and dexterity, it could have been avoided.

The Guardian

Indeed, all the members of this sable republic appear to have very loose notions of meum and tuum, and evince as much dexterity in appropriating the effects of their neighbours as any of the other worthies who have adorned the annals of the New Bailey [Manchester's main prison before Strangeways].

The Guardian

The trouble with anthropomorphic robots capable of such dexterity is that they are invariably complex and expensive costing $200,000 or more.

The Economist

Until the early 1990s, manual dexterity was often enough to secure a job; now one in three of Santa Clara's adults has a degree (compared with one in five nationally).

The Economist

This requires something that I call "global dexterity": the ability to adapt your behaviour when faced with cultural norms very different from your own.

The Economist

From vulcanism to the extinction of species to global climate change and on to creation itself, she tackles complex topics with dexterity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dexterity" to specifically highlight skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands or in handling complex situations. It is particularly effective when describing physical or mental adroitness.

Common error

Avoid using "dexterity" interchangeably with general intelligence or knowledge. While it can apply to mental agility, it's most appropriate when describing skill in execution or manipulation, not just understanding.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dexterity" is that of a noun. It refers to the skill or ability in performing tasks, especially with the hands, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples related to manual skills, vocal control, and political maneuvering. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dexterity" is a noun denoting skill and precision in performing tasks, whether physical or mental. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedic entries. Its proper use emphasizes skillful execution, and while alternatives exist, "dexterity" carries a specific connotation of adroitness. Use "dexterity" to specifically highlight skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands or in handling complex situations. Ludwig AI confirms the word's correctness and usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skillfulness

Emphasizes expertise and proficiency in a particular area.

adroitness

Highlights cleverness and resourcefulness in handling situations.

agility

Focuses on quickness and nimbleness in movement or thought.

nimbleness

Similar to agility, emphasizing ease and grace in movement.

deftness

Highlights skill and precision, particularly in manual tasks.

expertise

Emphasizes specialized knowledge and competence.

facility

Focuses on ease and fluency in performing a task.

mastery

Indicates a high level of skill and control.

finesse

Emphasizes delicacy and refinement in handling situations.

competence

Highlights the ability to perform tasks effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "dexterity" in a sentence?

"Dexterity" is used to describe skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands, or skill in dealing with situations. For example, "The surgeon's dexterity was crucial for the delicate operation."

What are some alternatives to the word "dexterity"?

Alternatives include "skillfulness", "adroitness", "agility", or "nimbleness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dexterity" only used to describe physical skills?

While commonly used for physical skills, "dexterity" can also describe mental agility or skill in handling complex situations. For example, one might speak of someone's political dexterity.

What's the difference between "dexterity" and "ability"?

"Ability" is a general term for the capacity to do something. "Dexterity" specifically refers to skill and precision in performing tasks, especially manual or mental manipulation. "Ability" is broader; "dexterity" is more focused on skillful execution.