Masterly — Mas ter*ly, a. 1. Suitable to, or characteristic of, a master; indicating thorough knowledge or superior skill and power; showing a master s hand; as, a masterly design; a masterly performance; a masterly policy. A wise and masterly inactivity.… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
masterly — [mas′tər lē] adj. showing the ability or skill of a master; expert [a masterly job of repair work] adv. in a masterly manner masterliness n … English World dictionary
Masterly — Mas ter*ly, adv. With the skill of a master. [1913 Webster] Thou dost speak masterly. Shak. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
masterly — index artful, capable, competent, deft, expert, practiced, subtle (refined) Burton s Legal Thesaurus … Law dictionary
masterly — (adj.) 1530s, overbearing; 1660s, skillful, from MASTER (Cf. master) (n.) + LY (Cf. ly) … Etymology dictionary
masterly — *proficient, adept, skilled, skillful, expert Analogous words: *dexterous, deft, adroit: preeminent, superlative, transcendent, *supreme … New Dictionary of Synonyms
masterly — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ performed or performing very skilfully … English terms dictionary
masterly — masterful, masterly Although both words have at some time in their history shared all the meanings involved here, they have settled down in more recent usage in such a way that masterful conveys meanings to do with dominance and power whereas… … Modern English usage
masterly — adjective Date: 15th century 1. suitable to or resembling that of a master; especially indicating thorough knowledge or superior skill and power < a masterly performance > 2. having the power and skill of a master < she s masterly at description… … New Collegiate Dictionary
masterly — [[t]mɑ͟ːstə(r)li, mæ̱s [/t]] ADJ GRADED (approval) If you describe something as masterly, you admire it because it has been done extremely well or shows the highest level of ability and skill. Malcolm Hebden gives a masterly performance... Attlee … English dictionary
masterly — masterliness, n. /mas teuhr lee, mah steuhr /, adj. 1. like or befitting a master, as in skill or art; worthy of a master; very skillful: a masterly presentation of the budget. adv. 2. in a masterly manner. [1375 1425; late ME maisterly. See… … Universalium
