feeling of mastery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of mastery" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a feeling of competence or control over a subject, task, or activity. For example, "After completing the assignment, he had a feeling of mastery over the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"People who feel powerful transfer this feeling of mastery to the anthropomorphized entity, believe they can control it, and so feel less risk," the authors concluded.

The New York Times

"The fun comes from the feeling of mastery".

The New Yorker

And to create a feeling of mastery, workers rely on a community or "tribe" of close friends.

Harvard Business Review

I have areas in which I want to improve, but also a feeling of mastery over certain aspects of the game that is very satisfying.

The New York Times

When it comes to having a feeling of mastery in one's endeavors – whether one chooses to be a homemaker or a homebuilder – conscientious people come out ahead because they do good work even when no one is looking.

The New York Times

"Why do I get so much satisfaction from sewing bits of fabric together with really, really straight seams?" "You get a feeling of mastery from making something," Ms. Koza said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

That way, their brains deliver those feel-good chemicals in response to their feelings of mastery and autonomy (intrinsic motivation) rather than in response to receiving a material reward (extrinsic motivation).

University of California, Berkeley

Therefore intrinsically motivated games are more likely to result in continued behaviour because it makes people feel good about what they are doing, for example by tapping into feelings of mastery, competence and self-efficacy.

Huffington Post

The study could not say, for example, whether pathological game-playing caused poor school performance or whether "children who have trouble at school seek to play games to experience feelings of mastery". Gentile also said the research did not indicate what the warning signs of addiction might be or how to best treat such a problem.

The Washington Post

Research shows that rebounding from failure builds feelings of mastery and not just competence.

Forbes

A 2017 analysis of 88 patient-caregiver pairs found that if a caregiver had higher feelings of "mastery" over the situation and the condition, this was linked to a 16percentt lower risk of a patient's death.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to foster a "feeling of mastery" in others, break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This approach allows for frequent opportunities for success, building confidence and reinforcing the sense of competence.

Common error

Don't solely rely on external rewards or praise to cultivate a "feeling of mastery". Focus on intrinsic motivation by highlighting personal growth and the inherent satisfaction of skill development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of mastery" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement of a verb. It describes a subjective state of competence and control. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often reflects positive outcomes from effort and experience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of mastery" describes a state of competence and control, often resulting from dedicated effort and skill development. As confirmed by Ludwig, this noun phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While a "feeling of mastery" is a desired state, it is important to emphasize intrinsic motivation rather than relying solely on external validation. When communicating this concept, alternative phrases such as "sense of competence" or "sense of accomplishment" can be useful for conveying subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of competence

Focuses on the subjective experience of being capable and effective.

sense of accomplishment

Highlights the satisfaction derived from completing a task or achieving a goal.

feeling of control

Emphasizes the perception of being able to influence or direct events.

sense of efficacy

Refers to the belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.

feeling of proficiency

Indicates a high degree of skill or expertise in a particular area.

a sense of command

Suggests authority and the ability to direct or manage something effectively.

the joy of expertise

Emphasizes the positive emotion associated with possessing specialized knowledge or skill.

satisfaction of accomplishment

Highlights the gratification derived from achieving a successful outcome.

the pride of achievement

Focuses on the self-esteem boost gained from attaining a significant success.

a grip on things

Implies that one is effectively managing events and circumstances in a specific situation.

FAQs

How can I cultivate a "feeling of mastery" in my work?

Focus on setting achievable goals, breaking down complex tasks, and celebrating small victories. Seek opportunities for skill development and continuous learning to enhance your sense of competence.

What is the difference between "feeling of mastery" and "sense of competence"?

While closely related, "feeling of mastery" often implies a demonstrated control or expertise, whereas "sense of competence" may refer more broadly to a belief in one's capabilities, even without extensive experience.

What are some signs that someone is experiencing a "feeling of mastery"?

Signs include increased confidence, a willingness to take on challenges, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a general sense of satisfaction with their abilities and accomplishments.

How does a "feeling of mastery" relate to motivation?

A "feeling of mastery" is a powerful intrinsic motivator. When individuals experience a sense of competence and control, they are more likely to be engaged, persistent, and driven to achieve their goals.