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proficient

 - 2 dictionary results

pro⋅fi⋅cient

[pruh-fish-uhnt]
–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


pro⋅fi⋅cient⋅ly, adverb
pro⋅fi⋅cient⋅ness, noun


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


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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