masterly

C1 Topic:Describing Qualities

US /ˈmæstɚli/ UK /ˈmɑːstəli/ See IPA manual

Freq #59236

Meanings

1

adj
Executed in the manner of a master; showing competence and skill; masterful.

Her years of experience enabled her to render a masterly performance.
2

adj
Like a master; arbitrary; domineering, imperious.

The godlie counſels of Salomon and Ieſus the ſonne of Sirach, for ſharpe kepinge in, and bridleinge of youth, are ment rather, for fatherlie correction, then maſterlie beating, rather for maners, than for learninge: for other places, than for ſcholes.
3

adv
In a masterful manner; competently, masterfully.

At length the sound of a flute broke upon mine ear; it was not played masterly, but the tones were very sweet; and what is more correct, perhaps, they harmonized with my feelings.
4

adj
having or revealing supreme mastery or skill

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 adj · executed in the manner of a... able accomplished adept adroit apt artful capable competent

2 adj · like a master; arbitrary;... despotic overbearing

3 adv · in a masterful manner;... expertly skilfully

4 adj · having or revealing supreme... consummate

Word family

Derived forms masterliness

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

masterly inactivity
Deliberate restraint from action because waiting is judged the most skillful course.

Adjective + noun

Etymology

PIE word *méǵh₂s From Middle English maisterli, from maister (“leader, ruler; high official; official in charge of a place; person in control; employer; owner; schoolmaster, teacher; scholar, sage; holder of a master's degree; religious teacher; master craftsman; expert; magician; social superior; husband; lover; Jesus Christ; a god; male stud animal”) + -li (suffix forming adjectives). Maister is derived from Old English mæġester (“master”) and Old French maistre (“master”) (modern French maître), both from Latin magister (“teacher; master”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *méǵh₂s (“big,...

Topics

Describing Qualities Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# masterly

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C1
**Part of speech:** adj, adv
**IPA (US):** /ˈmæstɚli/
**IPA (UK):** /ˈmɑːstəli/
**Frequency rank:** 59236

## Meanings
1. Executed in the manner of a master; showing competence and skill; masterful.
2. Like a master; arbitrary; domineering, imperious.
3. In a masterful manner; competently, masterfully.
4. having or revealing supreme mastery or skill

## Examples
- Her years of experience enabled her to render a masterly performance.
- The godlie counſels of Salomon and Ieſus the ſonne of Sirach, for ſharpe kepinge in, and bridleinge of youth, are ment rather, for fatherlie correction, then maſterlie beating, rather for maners, than for learninge: for other places, than for ſcholes.
- At length the sound of a flute broke upon mine ear; it was not played masterly, but the tones were very sweet; and what is more correct, perhaps, they harmonized with my feelings.

## Derived Forms
- masterliness

## Etymology
PIE word *méǵh₂s From Middle English maisterli, from maister (“leader, ruler; high official; official in charge of a place; person in control; employer; owner; schoolmaster, teacher; scholar, sage; holder of a master's degree; religious teacher; master craftsman; expert; magician; social superior; husband; lover; Jesus Christ; a god; male stud animal”) + -li (suffix forming adjectives). Maister is derived from Old English mæġester (“master”) and Old French maistre (“master”) (modern French maître), both from Latin magister (“teacher; master”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *méǵh₂s (“big,...

## Topics
- Describing Qualities
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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