skilfully

IPA/ˈskɪlfəli/
IPA/ˈskɪlfəli/

skilfully — adverb

1. done with a high level of ability and practice, especially when the task require

1.adverbB2
Definition

done with a high level of ability and practice, especially when the task requires fine control or precision

Example

Ryo skilfully repaired the old wooden clock, making it tick again.

adverb before verb describing manual repair

With a few quick movements, the chef skilfully sliced the vegetables.

fronted prepositional phrase + adverb before verb

Common collocations
  • skilfully + verb of making/creating (craft, build, carve, paint)
  • skilfully + verb of handling (manage, deal with, handle, negotiate)
  • skilfully + verb of movement (guide, steer, navigate, glide)
Synonyms
  • expertly

    more neutral in register; suggests the skill of a trained professional

  • adeptly

    slightly more formal; emphasises natural ability and quick learning

  • deftly

    emphasises quick, nimble, and precise physical movements

  • masterfully

    stronger in degree; suggests the highest level of control and authority

Antonyms
  • clumsily

    opposite of smooth, controlled movement

  • awkwardly

    suggests a lack of grace or ease in performing an action

Grammar Patterns

adverb modifying a verb of action or creation

Usage Note

Skilfully is the British English spelling; the American English spelling is skillfully. The adverb typically appears immediately before the main verb, but may also follow the verb when the object is short or when the adverb is in end-focus position.

Common Mistakes

She is a skilfully driver.
She drives skilfully.
skilfully is an adverb and cannot modify a noun; use the adjective skilful instead.
He skilfully played to the piano.
He skilfully played the piano.
skilfully, like most manner adverbs, does not add extra prepositions to the verb's normal pattern.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four words describe doing something with ability, but they differ in focus and register. Skilfully is the most general term, covering any well-practised action from cooking to customer service. Expertly suggests the authority of a trained professional — an expert mechanic fixes cars expertly. Adeptly is slightly more formal and implies quick, intelligent handling, especially of complex or novel situations. Deftly is the most concrete: it describes nimble, precise physical movements, such as a surgeon's hands or a dancer's feet. In everyday speech, skilfully is the safest choice; deftly adds vividness to physical descriptions, while expertly implies formal training. For example: 'She skilfully managed the team through the crisis' (general ability) versus 'She deftly threaded the needle' (fine motor skill).

skilfully ↗expertly ↗adeptly ↗deftly ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • very skilfully
  • quite skilfully
  • extremely skilfully
  • most skilfully

Phrases

  • with great skill
  • in a skilful manner

Etymology

Old NorseMiddle EnglishEnglish

Formed from the adjective skilful (British spelling) + the adverb-forming suffix -ly. The adjective skilful comes from the noun skill, which entered Middle English from Old Norse skil, meaning 'distinction, knowledge, or discernment'. The British spelling keeps a single l before -ful, while American English doubles it: skillful → skillfully.