Meaning & use
deftly
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Meanings
adverbnot comparable
In a quick, skilled and smooth way, especially when using the hands.
Grammar: Goes with a verb of action: she deftly folded the paper.
Patterns
- deftly + verb
The chef deftly sliced the onion into thin rings.
She deftly caught the falling glass before it hit the floor.
He deftly tied the knot without looking.
adverbnot comparablefigurative
In a clever and tactful way when handling a difficult conversation or situation.
Grammar: Also used for speech and thinking: she deftly changed the subject.
Patterns
- deftly handle something
The spokesperson deftly avoided the awkward question.
He deftly steered the meeting back to the agenda.
Common combinations
- deftly handle
- The nurse deftly handled the anxious patient.
- deftly avoid
- She deftly avoided an argument.
- deftly executed
- The move was deftly executed.
- deftly maneuver
- The driver deftly maneuvered through the narrow lane.
- deftly woven
- The story is deftly woven from several plots.
Synonyms and how they differ
- skillfully
- Skillfully is the general word for any ability, while deftly adds a sense of lightness and speed.
- nimbly
- Nimbly focuses on quick, light movement of the body, while deftly can also describe careful handling of ideas.
- adroitly
- Adroitly is more formal and stresses cleverness in tricky situations, while deftly suits both hand skills and tact.
- smoothly
- Smoothly just means without difficulty, with no suggestion of special skill.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: deftly or daftly?
deftly vs daftly
Daftly means in a silly way and is the opposite in tone to deftly, which suggests skill.
Practice
The waiter ___ balanced six plates on one arm and moved through the crowd.
Choose one answer.
Deftly means with quick, skilled movement, which suits balancing plates. Clumsily would suggest dropping them.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “deftly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.