Deft Meaning in English
word
Definition
Deft describes someone who is skillful, quick, and clever, especially with their hands or in their actions.
Usage & Nuances
'Deft' is formal and also literary. Commonly used with 'touch', 'movement', 'hand', or to describe skill in conversation or performance. Stronger than 'skilled' or 'good' – emphasizes grace and quickness. Not used for large abilities (e.g., a 'deft cook', but not a 'deft engineer').
Spanish: hábil - diestro - ágilPortuguese (BR): hábil - ágil - destroPortuguese (PT): hábil - ágil - destroChinese (Simplified): 灵巧的 - 熟练的Chinese (Traditional): 靈巧的 - 熟練的Hindi: कुशल - दक्ष - फुर्तीलाArabic: بارع - ماهرBengali: কৌশলী - দক্ষ (নিপুণ)Russian: ловкий - искусныйJapanese: 巧みな - 器用なVietnamese: khéo léo - lanh lợiKorean: 능숙한 - 재빠른Turkish: usta - çevikUrdu: ماہر - چابک دستIndonesian: cekatan - terampil
Example Sentences
The artist's deft hands shaped the clay.
basic
She tied the knot with a deft movement.
basic
His deft reply impressed the teacher.
basic
With a deft flick of her wrist, she caught the falling cup.
natural
The magician's deft hands made the card disappear.
natural
He handled the awkward question with deft skill.
natural