adept
uh-DEHPT
Adept (adjective) means Very skilled or highly proficient at something. Example: “She is adept at solving complex puzzles.”
adjective
1
Very skilled or highly proficient at something.
"She is adept at solving complex puzzles."
"He became adept at negotiating deals early in his career."
noun
1
A person who is highly skilled in a particular field.
"The old master was regarded as an adept in the art of calligraphy."
How to use adept
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHighly skilled or expert at doing something.
Common mistake
Use "adept at" or "adept in," not "adept to."
Common pairings
adept at
highly adept
become adept
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Word forms
- Plural
- adepts
- Comparative
- more adept, adepter
- Superlative
- most adept, adeptest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She is _____ at solving complex puzzles.
Etymology
From French adepte, from Latin adeptus, "one who has attained (skill or knowledge)," from adipisci, "to attain."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “adept” mean?
The word “adept” means very skilled or highly proficient at something. In plain terms, highly skilled or expert at doing something.
How do you pronounce “adept”?
“Adept” is pronounced uh-DEHPT (/əˈdɛpt/ in IPA).
How do you use “adept” in a sentence?
Here is “adept” used in a sentence: “She is adept at solving complex puzzles.”
What is the opposite of “adept”?
The opposite of “adept” — its antonyms — is inept.
What part of speech is “adept”?
Depending on how it is used, “adept” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “adept” come from?
The word “adept” comes from Latin. From French adepte, from Latin adeptus, "one who has attained (skill or knowledge)," from adipisci, "to attain.".
Is “adept” a common word?
“Adept” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “adept” have?
“Adept” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: very skilled or highly proficient at something.
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