skilfully
gb/skˈɪlfəli/ us/skˈɪlfəli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
in an expert, competent way
In a way that shows a lot of skill.
Usage pattern:
skilfully + [verb]; skilfully + [past participle]
Common mistake:
Learners often misspell it as *skillfully* (common US spelling) or place it awkwardly; it usually goes before the main verb or before a past participle (e.g., “skilfully handled”).
Synonyms
expertly (Most direct synonym; neutral and common.)
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deftly (Suggests quick, light, precise skill, often with hands.)
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masterfully (Suggests very high-level, impressive skill.)
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competently (Emphasizes being capable rather than outstanding.)
Antonyms
clumsily (Shows lack of coordination or technique.)
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ineptly (Shows a lack of ability or competence.)
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badly (General opposite meaning; not done well.)
Collocations
skilfully done
|skilfully executed
|skilfully performed
|skilfully crafted
|skilfully made
|skilfully played
|skilfully engineered
|skilfully repaired
|skilfully controlled
|skilfully produced
Themes
education
|work
|arts
|sports
Examples
- The surgeon skilfully repaired the damaged vessel.
- She skilfully blended the colors to create a realistic sky.
- He skilfully brought the bike to a stop on the wet road.
Learner examples
- She skilfully plays the piano.
- He skilfully fixed the broken chair.
adverb
C1
property
2
cleverly and tactfully handled
In a clever, tactful way that works well.
Usage pattern:
skilfully + [verb] + [a situation/problem/question]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with *politely*; *skilfully* means effectively using skill or strategy, not necessarily being polite.
Synonyms
adroitly (Slightly more formal; emphasizes clever handling of situations.)
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tactfully (Emphasizes sensitivity to others’ feelings.)
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strategically (Emphasizes planning and advantage, not personal skill.)
Antonyms
awkwardly (In a socially uncomfortable or ineffective way.)
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tactlessly (Without sensitivity; likely to offend.)
Collocations
skilfully handled
|skilfully managed
|skilfully negotiated
|skilfully navigated
|skilfully avoided
|skilfully sidestepped
|skilfully defused
|skilfully addressed
|skilfully resolved
|skilfully balanced
Themes
communication
|business
|relationships
Examples
- The spokesperson skilfully avoided answering the most sensitive question.
- She skilfully defused the argument before it got worse.
- He skilfully negotiated a compromise that both sides could accept.
Learner examples
- She skilfully solved the problem.
- He skilfully answered the question.
Grammar
Dictionary form
skilfully
IPA
GB/skˈɪlfəli/
US/skˈɪlfəli/
Syllables & stress
skil - fully (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (skil)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: skilfully
- Plural: skilfullies
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.