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Definition of proficient - 4 dictionary results

pro⋅fi⋅cient

  [pruh-fish-uhnt]
Use proficient in a Sentence
–adjective
1. well-advanced or competent in any art, science, or subject; skilled: a proficient swimmer.
–noun
2. an expert.
Origin:
1580–90; < L prōficient- (s. of prōficiēns) prp. of prōficere to advance, make progress, equiv. to prō- pro- 1 + -ficere, comb. form of facere to make, do 1 . See -ent, efficient

Related forms:
pro⋅fi⋅cient⋅ly, adverb
pro⋅fi⋅cient⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. adept, competent, experienced, accomplished, able, finished.

Antonyms:
1. unskilled, inept.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To proficient
pro·fi·cient   (prə-fĭsh'ənt)   
adj.  Having or marked by an advanced degree of competence, as in an art, vocation, profession, or branch of learning.
n.  An expert; an adept.

[Latin prōficiēns, prōficient-, present participle of prōficere, to make progress; see profit.]
pro·fi'cient·ly adv.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean having or showing knowledge, ability, or skill, as in a profession or field of study. Proficient implies an advanced degree of competence acquired through training: is proficient in Greek and Latin.
Adept suggests a natural aptitude improved by practice: became adept at cutting the fabric without using a pattern.
Skilled implies sound, thorough competence and often mastery, as in an art, craft, or trade: a skilled gymnast who won an Olympic medal.
Skillful adds to skilled the idea of natural dexterity in performance or achievement: is skillful in the use of the hand loom.
Expert applies to one with consummate skill and command: an expert violinist who played the sonata flawlessly.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Proficient

Pro*fi"cient\, n. [L. proficiens, -entis, p. pr. of proficere to go forward, make progress; pro forward + facere to make. See Fact, and cf. Profit, (?)] One who has made considerable advances in any business, art, science, or branch of learning; an expert; an adept; as, proficient in a trade; a proficient in mathematics, music, etc.

Proficient

Pro*fi"cient\, a. Well advanced in any branch of knowledge or skill; possessed of considerable acquirements; well-skilled; versed; adept,
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : proficient
Spanish: perito, hábil, competente,
German: tüchtig,
Japanese: 熟達した
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