dexterity
/dekˈsterəti/ (bre, ipa) · /dekˈsterəti/ (ame, ipa) · /dek-ˈster-ə-tē -ˈste-rə-/ (ame, mw)
dexterity — noun
1. The ability to move your hands with speed and fine control when a task needs car
The ability to move your hands with speed and fine control when a task needs care.
Yumi showed remarkable dexterity while threading tiny beads onto the broken bracelet.
dexterity while + gerund for careful hand action
The young surgeon's dexterity saved crucial seconds during the emergency operation.
subject often uses hands in a precise task
With steady dexterity, Sven folded the paper crane without tearing a corner.
Finger dexterity helps Jin play fast piano passages without hitting wrong notes.
The jeweller relied on dexterity with fine tools to reset the loose stone.
- skill
Broader and more general; dexterity highlights quick, precise hand control.
- deftness
Very close in meaning, often stressing neat and easy hand movement.
- coordination
Focuses on body parts working together, not always on speed or fine precision.
- clumsiness
Lack of smooth control when using the hands.
文法句型
dexterity with + tool/object
dexterity in + activity
manual/finger dexterity
用法筆記
Usually uncountable. This sense is common in phrases such as 'manual dexterity' and 'dexterity with a tool', and it focuses on fine hand control rather than general speed or strength.
常見錯誤
2. Quick, effective judgment in a hard situation, especially when you must react at
Quick, effective judgment in a hard situation, especially when you must react at once.
Padma answered the reporter's angry question with calm dexterity and a short joke.
with dexterity for tactful handling
During the budget meeting, Allison used dexterity to keep both teams talking calmly.
used dexterity to + resolve a tense situation
Caleb's dexterity helped him answer quickly when the rules changed mid-game.
Cyrus handled the tense call with dexterity, changing the topic before the argument got worse.
Elise's dexterity let her solve the puzzle before the other players saw the trick.
- adroitness
Close in meaning and quite formal, often used for clever social or mental handling.
- skill
Broader and less formal; it does not always suggest quick adjustment.
- finesse
Stresses tact and delicacy, especially when dealing with people or a sensitive issue.
- awkwardness
Poor or uncomfortable handling of a problem or situation.
文法句型
dexterity in + discussion/task
dexterity with + problem/situation
用法筆記
More formal than 'quick thinking'. Unlike sense 1, this sense is not about hand movement; it is used for smart, flexible handling of ideas, people, or changing situations.