mastery
Mastery (noun) means Complete or expert skill and knowledge of a subject. Example: “His mastery of French grammar impressed his teacher.”
How to use mastery
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTotal command of a skill, or dominance over people or territory.
Word forms
masteries plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ of French grammar impressed his teacher.
Etymology
From Old French maistrie, built from master plus -y.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for mastery
See all rhymes for mastery →Frequently asked questions
What does “mastery” mean?
The word “mastery” means complete or expert skill and knowledge of a subject. In plain terms, total command of a skill, or dominance over people or territory.
How do you pronounce “mastery”?
“Mastery” is pronounced MAHS-tree (/ˈmæs.tɚ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “mastery” in a sentence?
Here is “mastery” used in a sentence: “His mastery of French grammar impressed his teacher.”
What part of speech is “mastery”?
“Mastery” is a noun.
Where does the word “mastery” come from?
The word “mastery” comes from Old French. From Old French maistrie, built from master plus -y.
Is “mastery” a common word?
“Mastery” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “mastery” have?
“Mastery” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: complete or expert skill and knowledge of a subject.
What is the difference between mastery and expertise?
Mastery implies complete or expert skill and knowledge of a subject, often suggesting the highest attainable level, while expertise refers more generally to specialized knowledge or skill that may fall short of complete command. Mastery can also carry the added sense of control or dominance that expertise does not typically imply.
Is it mastery of or mastery over a subject?
Both 'mastery of' and 'mastery over' are used, but they lean toward different senses of the word. 'Mastery of' usually refers to expert skill and knowledge of a subject, while 'mastery over' more often implies control, dominance, or authority over someone or something.
What is the difference between mastery and proficiency?
Proficiency indicates a competent, functional level of skill, whereas mastery describes complete or expert skill and knowledge, representing a higher standard. Someone can be proficient in a task without having achieved full mastery of it.