The word "masterful" is spelled with two syllables: MAS-ter-ful. The stress is on the first syllable, indicated by the capital letters. The initial "m" sound is followed by the short "a" sound, "s" sound, and "t" sound before the second syllable begins with the long "e" sound. The "r" sound connects the two syllables, and the final syllable ends with the "ful" sound, which is pronounced as "fəl". "Masterful" means having or showing skill or ability, especially in a particular field.
Masterful is an adjective that describes someone or something possessing great skill, expertise, or control in a particular domain or endeavor. It connotes a high level of competence and ability, suggesting a mastery of a subject or craft.
When describing a person as masterful, it implies that they have profound knowledge, exceptional command, and exceptional confidence in their skills or talents. They display a level of expertise that sets them apart from others, demonstrating superior aptitude and skill in their chosen field. A masterful individual is one who can execute tasks with great finesse, precision, and efficiency, often providing exceptional results. They possess thorough understanding and expertise in their craft, enabling them to navigate complex challenges and make well-informed decisions.
In a broader sense, masterful can also refer to works of art, writing, or performance that display an outstanding level of skill, creativity, and mastery. A masterful piece of literature or artwork captivates the audience or reader through its sophistication, depth, and originality, showcasing the creator's ability to manipulate their medium effectively and skillfully.
However, it is important to note that the term "masterful" can sometimes have a negative connotation, as it can also imply an excessive or overbearing display of authority or control. In such instances, it describes someone who exerts dominance or manipulates situations to their advantage, sometimes bordering on being dictatorial or tyrannical.
Imperious; employing violence.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "masterful" originates from two sources: "master" and the suffix "-ful".
The term "master" comes from the Old English word "mægister", which designated a person with great skill or knowledge, typically in a particular field. This word has its roots in the Latin "magister", meaning "chief, director, or teacher".
The suffix "-ful" is derived from the Old English "-ful", which denoted something having "plenty" of a particular quality. Over time, it developed to convey the sense of "full of" or "having the qualities of".
Therefore, the combination of "master" and "-ful" in "masterful" formed a word meaning "having the qualities or skills of a master". It implies a sense of mastery, expertise, or dominance in a particular area or skill.