adj
deft
dehft
Deft (adj) means Skillful and quick, especially with the hands. Example: “The surgeon made a series of deft incisions.”
adj
1
Skillful and quick, especially with the hands.
"The surgeon made a series of deft incisions."
"Her deft handling of the negotiation impressed everyone."
"He assembled it in one fluid, deft motion."
"Alvarez then got on the scoresheet after the hosts carved open the Huddersfield defence with some intricate passing before the Argentina forward's deft finish rolled into the net."
— Gary Rose, Manchester City 5-0 Huddersfield Town (2024)
How to use deft
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSkilled and precise in movement or handling — nimble and capable.
Common pairings
deft touch
deft hands
deft handling
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Word forms
- Comparative
- defter
- Superlative
- deftest
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The surgeon made a series of _____ incisions.
Etymology
From Old English dæfte ("mild, fitting"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "suitable." A doublet of "daft," which took a very different meaning path over the centuries.
Synonyms
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dextrous
dexterous
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for deft
See all rhymes for deft →Frequently asked questions
What does “deft” mean?
The word “deft” means skillful and quick, especially with the hands. In plain terms, skilled and precise in movement or handling — nimble and capable.
How do you pronounce “deft”?
“Deft” is pronounced dehft (/dɛft/ in IPA).
How do you use “deft” in a sentence?
Here is “deft” used in a sentence: “The surgeon made a series of deft incisions.”
What part of speech is “deft”?
“Deft” is an adjective.
Where does the word “deft” come from?
The word “deft” comes from Old English. From Old English dæfte ("mild, fitting"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "suitable." A doublet of "daft," which took a very different meaning path over the centuries.
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