How Do You Spell DEXTEROUS?

Pronunciation: [dˈɛkstəɹəs] (IPA)

"Dexterous" is a word that can be quite tricky to spell. The phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈdekst(ə)rəs/. The silent "t" in this word may throw some people off, but once it is understood that the "x" sound is represented by the letters "ex," the spelling gets easier. The word means skillful or nimble, and it is often used to describe someone who is adept at performing manual tasks. With practice, anyone can become dexterous in their own way.

DEXTEROUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Dexterous is an adjective that describes someone who is skilled, competent, or adept in performing tasks that require physical coordination, agility, or manual skill. It suggests the ability to perform actions with ease, precision, and quickness.

    In terms of physical ability, being dexterous implies having nimble fingers and the capability to handle delicate objects or perform intricate movements with accuracy and fine motor control. This can include activities such as playing a musical instrument, sewing, or practicing surgery.

    Moreover, dexterous can also extend beyond physical capacities to encompass mental agility. A person who is dexterous mentally is able to think quickly, adapt easily, and find effective solutions to problems. This intellectual agility involves skills such as multitasking, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.

    Additionally, dexterous can refer to someone who possesses exceptional social and interpersonal abilities. This could involve the talent to navigate various social situations with ease, influencing others effectively, or being skillful in negotiations.

    Overall, the term dexterous emphasizes an individual's ability to perform tasks skillfully, irrespective of the specific domain. It encapsulates attributes such as physical coordination, mental agility, and social adeptness, highlighting a person's proficiency and adaptability in successfully completing various tasks.

  2. • DEXTEROUSLY.
    • Expert; ready; skilful in manual acts; ready in the use of the mental faculties.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DEXTEROUS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DEXTEROUS

Etymology of DEXTEROUS

The word "dexterous" is derived from the Latin word "dexter", which means "right-handed". This Latin term comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *deḱs-, which also meant "right" or "to the right". In ancient times, being right-handed was often associated with skill and dexterity because right-handedness tends to be more prevalent. As a result, the word "dexter" evolved to describe someone who is skillful, adept, or agile with their hands. Over time, "dexterous" emerged in the English language as an adjective to describe individuals who are skillful, adroit, or proficient in their actions and movements, whether manual or figurative.

Similar spelling words for DEXTEROUS

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