Definition

The quality of being skillful and quick in movement or action.

Example

Her deftness in handling the delicate instruments impressed everyone in the lab.

Conversation

Did you see how she handled that tricky situation yesterday?

Yeah, she showed great deftness in her response.

I was really impressed by her calmness under pressure.

Same here! It takes real skill to manage things like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deftness → It is formed from "deft" (from Old English "deofe", meaning skillful or dexterous) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "deftness" refers to the quality of being skillful or nimble in movement or action.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'skillful' ('deft') and the '-ness' indicating a state. This helps you remember that deftness means the quality of being skillful.

Visually Confused Words