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deftly

deftly

19 4.8
In a skillful, quick, and exact way
  • adverb
  • /ˈdɛftli/
translation icon : con destreza
  • The chef deftly sliced the vegetables with precision.
  • move deftly
  • deftly used
  • deftly played

And my wife, very deftly I think, said not all people who die in a war are soldiers.

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Examples

  • I checked on the serving table, where Audrey had deftly kept the platters refilled.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Her eyes narrowed, considering, then she reached into her change pouch and deftly flipped a quarter.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • I am quick with each piece, deftly pointing out what matters and then moving on.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • As I said, the clue to the next round is in the box you so deftly hung on to.

  • The film's strength is deftly crafted use of the flashback.

  • He has deftly kept us posted of the times around the globe.

  • Apparently oblivious to the show, waitresses moved deftly in and out of the audience, taking orders and serving drinks.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Before Annabelle could make a move to prevent it, the Viscount deftly corrected the error.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • And just in case, I've deftly cataloged, numbered and cross-referenced each offence here in my little black book.

  • Then, cozied between them, secure in a cat's cradle of deftly rigged lines, she forged ahead.

    Fiction book (1994)

Synonyms

skillfully
vsdeftly
22 3.2

To do something very well because you have practice and control

is closer to speed and pinpoint precision alongside that skill
cleanly
vsdeftly
11 2.9

In a smooth, precise way without errors

is more about rapid, skillful dexterity rather than only smoothness
ably
vsdeftly
9 3.5

In a skillful and effective way

emphasizes rapid, precise finesse beyond general competence
capably
vsdeftly
3 3.8

In a skilled and effective way

puts stronger stress on quick, exact dexterous performance
adroitly
vsdeftly
3 7.5

In a skillful and clever way

focuses more narrowly on fast, exact physical dexterity rather than cleverness
adeptly
vsdeftly
1 4.2

In a skillful and effective way

adds a sense of quick, exact handling rather than only effectiveness
dexterously
vsdeftly
1 6.7

To do something with the hands in a skilled way

is similar but highlights quicker, more precise execution
dextrously
vsdeftly
7.2

To do something with skill and quick, careful hand movements

is like this but places more weight on speed plus exactness

Antonyms

38 2.7

In a clumsy or uncomfortable way, often showing nervousness around other people

How Skillfully

expertly
19 3.4
deftly
19 4.8
skillfully
22 3.2
competently
8 3.6
clumsily
12 2.8

Surface Forms

deftly positive
deftlier comparative
deftliest superlative

Morphology

deftly = deft (transparent) = deft + ly

The word is transparently formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'deft', clearly indicating the manner of action.

Etymology

Deftly comes from the adjective deft, which originally came from an old English word meaning 'gentle' or 'prepared'. Over time the meaning moved to skill and quick control, so to do something deftly is to do it with neat, careful skill.