dexterous

/ˈdekstrəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdekstrəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdek-st(ə-)rəs How to pronounce dexterous (audio)/ (ame, mw)

dexterous — adjective

  • dexterouspositive
  • more dexterouscomparative
  • most dexteroussuperlative

1. able to control the hands with fast, exact movements when small or tricky tasks

1.形容詞C2
釋義

able to control the hands with fast, exact movements when small or tricky tasks need doing.

例句

Yuna repaired the tiny watch spring with dexterous fingers and a magnifier.

collocation: dexterous fingers

The street magician made one dexterous movement, and the coin disappeared.

common use: dexterous movement

同義詞
  • skillful

    broader everyday word for doing something well; 'dexterous' stresses precise hand control

  • deft

    close in meaning, often praising a quick and neat touch

  • nimble

    stresses quick light movement more than exact control

  • handy

    more informal and often used for practical ability with tools

反義詞
  • clumsy

    moving the hands awkwardly and without control

  • awkward

    lacking ease or smooth control in movement

用法筆記

Usually describes fine hand work such as sewing, repairing small parts, or doing magic tricks. It is more formal than 'skillful' and is not the usual word for general speed, balance, or athletic movement.

常見錯誤

❌The horse is dexterous and runs very fast.
✅The horse is agile and runs very fast.
💡'dexterous' usually points to skilled hand control, not speed in running.
❌My brother is dexterous because he can lift heavy boxes.
✅My brother is strong because he can lift heavy boxes.
💡sense 1 is about precise control, not physical strength.

2. quick to see the best way to deal with a problem, question, or other demanding s

2.形容詞C2
釋義

quick to see the best way to deal with a problem, question, or other demanding situation.

例句

Lucia was dexterous with words and answered the angry caller calmly.

collocation: dexterous with words

Christopher was dexterous in debate and turned the question back on his rival.

pattern: dexterous in + activity

同義詞
  • adroit

    very close in formal tone and often used for clever social or strategic handling

  • clever

    broader and more everyday; 'dexterous' sounds more formal and controlled

  • shrewd

    stresses good judgment and practical insight, sometimes with a tougher tone

  • resourceful

    emphasises finding solutions, even without the same quick precision

反義詞
  • clumsy

    handling a problem or conversation badly

  • slow-witted

    slow to understand or react in a demanding moment

用法筆記

This sense extends the hand-skill idea in sense 1 to words, numbers, strategy, or awkward situations. Distinguish from sense 1: here the quickness is mental or social, not literal finger control.

常見錯誤

❌My niece is dexterous because she learns songs quickly.
✅My niece learns songs quickly.
💡sense 2 is about skillful handling of a difficult task or situation, not general learning speed.
❌He is dexterous because all his exam answers were correct.
✅He is clever because all his exam answers were correct.
💡'dexterous' suggests adroit handling, not simply being right.