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proficiently

proficiently

2 5.1
To do something with skill and confidence
  • adverb
  • /prəˈfɪʃəntli/
translation icon : competentemente
  • The CCSS indicate that students should be reading a range of increasingly complex texts independently and proficiently.
  • read proficiently
  • perform proficiently

Examples

  • She speaks seven languages proficiently.

  • In Virginia, 38.5% of fourth graders read proficiently.

    Academic text (2012)
  • The teacher must be able to sing parts for each section proficiently enough for students to sing them back without a piano.

    Academic text (2003)
  • For example, 1 in 6 children who are not reading proficiently in third grade will not graduate from high school.

    Blog text (13)
  • Three young boys skate around on roller blades, passing a street hockey ball between them proficiently.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Before we expect students to comprehend what they read independently and proficiently, they may need to be shown how to do it, as well as being taught some specific search strategies.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Be prepared to execute simple transpositions, perform proficiently on an instrument, play the piano, and sight-read new music during music lessons and rehearsals.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Results of a longitudinal study of nearly 4,000 students show that those who do not read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave school without a diploma than proficient readers.

    Academic text (2012)
  • The strategy selected had to focus on one or more of the elements routinely listed as essential in learning to read proficiently: phonemic awareness, decoding skill, word recognition, vocabulary knowledge, fluency, comprehension, and metacognition.

    Academic text (2015)
  • She speaks seven languages proficiently.

Synonyms

professionally
vsproficiently
145 3.4

In a careful, skilled way that shows good work habits

is a broader term for skilled action outside formal professional standards
brilliantly
vsproficiently
54 4.1

In a very clever and skillful way that impresses people

is more ordinary, indicating able performance without the showy impression
skillfully
vsproficiently
22 3.2

To do something very well because you have practice and control

is broader, covering general ability without implying flawless control
expertly
vsproficiently
19 3.4

In a skilful way that shows a lot of ability

is more neutral about level, focusing on competence rather than high mastery
masterfully
vsproficiently
9 5.3

In a way that shows great skill

is less extreme, indicating general skilled ability rather than exceptional command
competently
vsproficiently
8 3.6

In a way that shows enough skill to do a job well

implies stronger skill and more consistent expertise than mere sufficiency
capably
vsproficiently
3 3.8

In a skilled and effective way

is similar but can include higher expertise beyond mere reliability
adeptly
vsproficiently
1 4.2

In a skillful and effective way

is less about quick adaptation and more about overall competence
consummately
vsproficiently
  • Formal
1 6.9

In a skillful and perfect way

is practical competence rather than flawless or perfect execution
dexterously
vsproficiently
1 6.7

To do something with the hands in a skilled way

focuses more generally on overall competence, not only physical dexterity

Antonyms

12 2.8

In an awkward way that shows little skill or control

1 5.5

In a clumsy way that shows little skill

How Skilled

masterfully
9 5.3
expertly
19 3.4
proficiently
2 5.1
competently
8 3.6
poorly
283 1.4

Surface Forms

proficiently positive
proficientlier comparative
proficientliest superlative

Morphology

proficiently = proficient (transparent) = proficient + ly

Standard derivation: the adverb is formed by adding the productive suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'proficient', preserving its meaning.

Etymology

The word proficiently comes from Latin parts pro- ('forward') and facere ('to make' or 'to do'), and facere is like the English word make, so together they meant 'to make progress'. So, to do something proficiently is to do it with skill because you have made real progress in that area.