Antonyms for dexterity

Grammar : Noun

Spell : dek-ster-i-tee

Phonetic Transcription : dɛkˈstɛr ɪ ti

Definition of dexterity

Origin : 1520s, from Middle French dexterité (16c.), from Latin dexteritatem (nominative dexteritas) "readiness, skillfulness, prosperity," from dexter "skillful," also "right (hand)" (source of Old French destre, Spanish diestro, etc.), from PIE root *deks- "on the right hand," hence "south" to one facing east (cf. Sanskrit daksinah "on the right hand, southern, skillful;" Avestan dashina- "on the right hand;" Greek dexios "on the right hand," also "fortunate, clever;" Old Irish dess "on the right hand, southern;" Welsh deheu; Gaulish Dexsiva, name of a goddess of fortune; Gothic taihswa; Lithuanian desinas; Old Church Slavonic desnu, Russian desnoj). The Latin form is with the comparative suffix -ter, thus meaning etymologically "the better direction." Middle English dester meant "right hand," and in heraldry dexter means "on the right side."

noun aptitude, ability

Example sentences :

Cellini was remarkable for his readiness and dexterity in handicraft.
Extract from : « Self-Help » by Samuel Smiles

Three or four times he lunged with incomparable dash and dexterity.
Extract from : « The Prisoner of Zenda » by Anthony Hope

It was a wonderful exhibition of strength, patience, and dexterity.
Extract from : « The Last Voyage » by Lady (Annie Allnutt) Brassey

He marveled at the dexterity with which she lifted him against her slim shoulder.
Extract from : « Highacres » by Jane Abbott

To a dexterity so fatal he added a judgment that had not failed when confronted with deceit.
Extract from : « Whispering Smith » by Frank H. Spearman

Another professor had the dexterity to manage in a different way.
Extract from : « The Teacher » by Jacob Abbott

Their skill and dexterity in the use of the axe in hunting is extraordinary.
Extract from : « The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India » by R. V. Russell

This piece of dexterity is the only one with which they are acquainted.
Extract from : « Perils and Captivity » by Charlotte-Adlade [ne Picard] Dard

He at once diverted the current of his narrative with the dexterity the occasion demanded.
Extract from : « A Pair of Blue Eyes » by Thomas Hardy

But mentality and spirit cannot be bought—only labour and dexterity.
Extract from : « The New Society » by Walther Rathenau

Synonyms for dexterity

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019