Deft Meaning
/dɛft/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjQuick and neat in action; skillful.
Sentence Examples
The deft fingers of the pianist moved quickly.
The deft handling of the situation was impressive.
He tried to conceal his ineptitude in a not-so-deft sleight of hand.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ chef sliced the vegetables with incredible speed and precision.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ fingers of the pianist moved quickly.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English defte, daft (“gentle”), from Old English dæfte (“mild, gentle, meek”), from Proto-West Germanic *daftī (“fitting, suitable”), derived from *dabaną (“to be suitable”). Near cognates include Gothic 𐌲𐌰𐌳𐍉𐍆𐍃 (gadōfs, “suitable”), West Frisian deftich (“distinguished”), Dutch deftig (“distinguished”), German deftig (“coarse”). Further cognates include Russian добро (dobro, “wealth, good”) and Latin faber (“craftsman; skillful”). Doublet of daft.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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."
— 2024 January 7, Gary Rose, “Manchester City 5-0 Huddersfield Town”, in BBC Sport:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ chef sliced the vegetables with incredible speed and precision.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ fingers of the pianist moved quickly.