technique
tehk-NEEK
Technique (noun) means a specific method or way of doing something that requires skill or practice. Example: “The chef demonstrated a new technique for folding pastry.”
noun
1
A specific method or way of doing something that requires skill or practice.
"The chef demonstrated a new technique for folding pastry."
"Good breathing technique makes a big difference in swimming."
"My grandmother has a clever technique for getting stains out of white shirts."
2
Practical skill or command of the mechanics of a craft, as distinct from creativity or ideas.
"The pianist has flawless technique but the performance felt cold."
"The young violinist's technique is excellent, though she still needs to find her own style."
"Years of practice gave the painter a technique that few of his rivals could match."
How to use technique
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe specific way or method used to do a skilled task well.
Common pairings
master a technique
new technique
technique for doing something
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Word forms
- Plural
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The chef demonstrated a new _____ for folding pastry.
Etymology
From French technique, itself from Greek tekhnikos ("of art or craft"), related to tekhne ("skill, craft").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for technique
See all rhymes for technique →Frequently asked questions
What does “technique” mean?
The word “technique” means a specific method or way of doing something that requires skill or practice. In plain terms, the specific way or method used to do a skilled task well.
How do you pronounce “technique”?
“Technique” is pronounced tehk-NEEK (/tɛkˈniːk/ in IPA).
How do you use “technique” in a sentence?
Here is “technique” used in a sentence: “The chef demonstrated a new technique for folding pastry.”
What is another word for “technique”?
Words with a similar meaning to “technique” include technic, craft and craftsmanship.
What part of speech is “technique”?
“Technique” is a noun.
Where does the word “technique” come from?
The word “technique” comes from French. From French technique, itself from Greek tekhnikos ("of art or craft"), related to tekhne ("skill, craft").
Is “technique” a common word?
“Technique” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “technique” have?
“Technique” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a specific method or way of doing something that requires skill or practice.
What is the difference between technique and skill?
Skill is the general ability to do something well, while technique is the specific method you use to do it. You build skill by mastering good technique through practice. A pianist has skill; the way they finger a chord is technique. One is the capacity, the other is the precise approach.
Can technique be learned?
Yes. Technique is essentially a repeatable method, so it can be taught, copied, and improved through deliberate practice. Watching demonstrations, breaking a task into steps, and repeating them until they feel natural all build technique. Talent may speed the process, but sound technique is available to anyone willing to practise carefully.
What is an example of technique?
In swimming, the flip turn is a technique: a precise sequence of movements for reversing direction quickly at the wall. Brushstrokes in painting, knife cuts in cooking, and a footballer's free-kick run-up are all techniques too, specific and learnable methods that make a task easier or the result better.
Why is good technique important?
Good technique makes effort more efficient and results more reliable. It reduces mistakes, helps prevent injury in physical activities, and lets you perform consistently under pressure. Poor technique may work briefly but tends to break down as demands rise. Refining technique is often what separates a beginner from an expert.
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