skillfully
gb/skˈɪlfəli/ us/skˈɪlfəli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
with a high level of skill
in a way that shows you are good at something
Usage pattern:
skillfully [do/perform/make/handle] [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use the adjective *skillful* where the adverb *skillfully* is needed (e.g., “He plays skillfully,” not “He plays skillful”). Also note UK spelling *skilfully*.
Synonyms
expertly (Emphasizes a high level of expertise and experience.)
|
deftly (Suggests quick, light, precise movements.)
|
adroitly (Slightly more formal; highlights clever, effective technique.)
|
competently (Focuses on meeting a good standard, not necessarily exceptional.)
Antonyms
clumsily (With poor coordination or awkward movements.)
|
ineptly (Showing a lack of ability or competence.)
|
awkwardly (In an uncomfortable, unskilled, or ungainly way.)
Collocations
skillfully crafted
|skillfully executed
|skillfully designed
|skillfully performed
|skillfully played
|skillfully made
|skillfully handled
|skillfully edited
|skillfully negotiated
|skillfully repaired
Themes
learning
|work
|arts
|sports
Examples
- The surgeon skillfully completed the procedure in under an hour.
- She skillfully blended the colors to create a realistic portrait.
- He skillfully repaired the broken hinge using only basic tools.
Learner examples
- He plays the piano skillfully.
- She skillfully cooked the fish.
adverb
C1
property
2
in a tactful, strategic way
in a clever and careful way to get a good result
Usage pattern:
skillfully [avoid/deflect/manage/navigate] [a topic/situation]
Common mistake:
This meaning is about strategy or tact, not physical ability (e.g., “skillfully avoided the question” means ‘cleverly,’ not ‘quickly’).
Synonyms
tactfully (Focuses on not offending others.)
|
shrewdly (Emphasizes practical, sharp judgment.)
|
cleverly (Highlights intelligence and ingenuity, sometimes playfully.)
|
diplomatically (Suggests careful language and negotiation, often in formal contexts.)
Antonyms
tactlessly (In a way that is likely to offend or upset people.)
|
clumsily (In a socially awkward or poorly managed way.)
|
crudely (In a rough, insensitive, or unsophisticated way.)
Collocations
skillfully avoided
|skillfully deflected
|skillfully navigated
|skillfully managed
|skillfully handled questions
|skillfully negotiated
|skillfully steered the conversation
|skillfully balanced
|skillfully framed
|skillfully addressed concerns
Themes
communication
|social
|business
|politics
Examples
- The spokesperson skillfully avoided answering the most controversial question.
- She skillfully managed the disagreement so the meeting stayed productive.
- He skillfully framed the proposal as a win for both sides.
Learner examples
- She skillfully avoided the topic.
- He skillfully managed the conversation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
skillfully
IPA
GB/skˈɪlfəli/
US/skˈɪlfəli/
Syllables & stress
skill - fully (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (skill)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: skillfully
- Plural: skillfullies
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.