Origin: 1595–1605; <
Latin dexter right-hand, skillful +
-ous Related forms dex·ter·ous·ly, adverb
dex·ter·ous·ness, noun
non·dex·ter·ous, adjective
non·dex·ter·ous·ly, adverb
non·dex·ter·ous·ness, noun
un·dex·ter·ous, adjective
un·dex·ter·ous·ly, adverb
un·dex·ter·ous·ness, noun
Can be confused: dexterous, dextrose (see synonym study at the current entry).
Synonyms
1. deft, nimble, handy. 1, 2. expert, apt, able, quick. Dexterous, adroit, deft, skillful, handy all imply facility and ease in performance. Dexterous and adroit both referred originally to right-handedness. Dexterous is still most often used to refer to manual or physical ability but can also refer to mental or social agility: a dexterous wood carver; dexterous management of a potentially embarrassing situation. Adroit implies cleverness or mental acuity, occasionally complex physical skill: an adroit politician; an adroit juggler. Deft suggests a light and assured touch, either physical or mental: deft manipulation of the sensitive controls, of public opinion. Skillful is the most general of these synonyms and can be substituted in most contexts for any of the foregoing, sacrificing only the overtones or connotations of each: a skillful performer. Handy applies mainly to physical skill, often achieved without formal training: handy with tools.
Antonyms
1. clumsy. 2. inept. 3. awkward.