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View synonyms for

masterful

[ mas-ter-fuhl, mah-ster- ]

adjective

  1. dominating; self-willed; imperious.

    Synonyms:

  2. having or showing the qualities of a master; authoritative; powerful.
  3. showing mastery or skill; masterly:

    a masterful performance.

    Synonyms: , , , , , ,



masterful

/ ˈɑːəʊ /

adjective

  1. having or showing mastery
  2. fond of playing the master; imperious
  3. masterly
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage

The use of masterful to mean masterly as in a masterful performance , although common, is considered incorrect by many people
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Confusables Note

At an earlier time, both masterful and masterly had two senses: “having a commanding or domineering nature or manner” and “possessing the skill of a master.” The earliest sense of masterly, “having a commanding nature,” has been obsolete since the 18th century. Masterful continues to be used in all varieties of speech and writing in both senses, despite the protests of some who prefer that masterful be restricted to the sense “dominating or imperious”: The envoy's masterful behavior irritated the citizens. Few painters have produced so many masterful (or masterly ) portraits.
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Derived Forms

  • ˈٱڳܱԱ, noun
  • ˈٱڳܱ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • t·ڳܱ· adverb
  • t·ڳܱ·Ա noun
  • v·t·ڳܱ adjective
  • over·t·ڳܱ· adverb
  • over·t·ڳܱ·Ա noun
  • ܲ·t·ڳܱ adjective
  • un·t·ڳܱ· adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of masterful1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; master, -ful
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Bob’s main instrument of choice these days is a grand piano, and sometimes his execution on that is masterful, and other times it feels a little slapdash.

From

It is, without question, a masterful moment of art that delivers a lesson that words simply cannot.

From

While many conservative commentators lined up to congratulate Trump on his supposedly masterful gambit, others pointed out that Trump's hand was likely forced by economic disarray.

From

Donald Trump is also a high-dominance leader who is masterful in his ability to manipulate the media and dominate the information space.

From

James Harden was masterful in pouring in 50 points for a Clippers team that once again has endured a slew of injuries at the most inopportune time.

From

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