deft

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English

Etymology

From Middle English defte, daft (“gentle”), from Old English dæfte (“mild, gentle, meek”), from Proto-West Germanic *daftī (“fitting, suitable”), derived from *dabaną (“to be suitable”), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰh₂ebʰ- (“fitting, fit together”). Near cognates include Gothic 𐌲𐌰𐌳𐍉𐍆𐍃 (gadōfs, “suitable”), West Frisian deftich (“distinguished”), Dutch deftig (“distinguished”), German deftig (“coarse”). Further cognates include Russian добро (dobro, “wealth, good”) and Latin faber (“craftsman; skillful”).

Pronunciation

  • (UK, US) IPA(key): /dɛft/
  • Rhymes: -ɛft
  • Audio (US):(file)

Adjective

deft (comparative defter, superlative deftest)

  1. Quick and neat in action; skillful.
    He assembled it in one fluid, deft motion.
    • 2024 January 7, Gary Rose, “Manchester City 5-0 Huddersfield Town”, in BBC Sport‎:
      Alvarez then got on the scoresheet after the hosts carved open the Huddersfield defence with some intricate passing before the Argentina forward's deft finish rolled into the net.

Derived terms

Translations

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