masterful

adjective

mas·​ter·​ful ˈma-stər-fəl 

1

a

: inclined and usually competent to act as master

b

: suggestive of a domineering nature

2

: having or reflecting the power and skill of a master

masterfully

ˈma-stər-fə-lē 

adverb

masterfulness noun

Masterful vs. Masterly: Usage Guide

Some commentators insist that use of masterful should be limited to its early "domineering" sense in order to preserve a distinction between it and masterly. The distinction is a modern one, excogitated by a 20th century pundit in disregard of the history of the word. Both words developed in a parallel manner but the earlier sense of masterly, equivalent to the "domineering" sense of masterful, dropped out of use. Since masterly had but one sense, the pundit opined that it would be tidy if masterful were likewise limited to one sense and he forthwith condemned use of masterful to mean "having mastery" as an error. This later sense of masterful, which is slightly older than the sense of masterly intended to replace it, has continued in reputable use all along; it cannot rationally be called an error.

Did you know?

Some commentators insist that masterful must only mean "domineering," reserving the "expert, skillful" sense for masterly. The distinction is a modern one. In earlier times, the terms were used interchangeably, with each having both the "domineering" and "expert" senses. The "domineering" sense of masterly fell into disuse around the 18th century, however, and in the 20th century the famous grammarian H. W. Fowler decided that masterful should be similarly limited to a single meaning. He summarily ruled that the "expert" definition of masterful was incorrect. Other usage writers followed his lead. But the "expert" meaning of masterful has continued to flourish in standard prose in spite of the disapproval, and, considering the sense's long history, it cannot really be called an error.

Synonyms

• adroit
• artful
• bravura
• deft
• delicate
• dexterous
• dextrous
• expert
• masterly
• practiced
• practised
• skillful
• virtuoso
• workmanlike

Choose the Right Synonym for masterful

masterful, domineering, imperious, peremptory, imperative mean tending to impose one's will on others.

masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

Examples of masterful in a Sentence

His manner was masterful and abrupt.

a masterful work of art

He did a masterful job of staying out of trouble.

Recent Examples on the Web

While envisioning and creating masterful dishes for a living is a fantasy for many, this industry is one filled with barriers, including low-paying starting positions and the need to work relentlessly to stand out and break through the glass ceiling. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Thanks to her masterful marketing, her lime-green Brat album became a Gen Z phenomenon. —Elizabeth Sporkin, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

The film’s delicate, rather fantastic atmosphere of London and the English countryside owes much to the cinematography by the masterful Joseph H. August. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2024

Not only can each section be unmoored and moved depending on the current exhibit, the galleries are a masterful nod to the Setouchi Islands in the Seto Inland Sea, which the museum faces. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

masterful

adjective

mas·​ter·​ful ˈmas-tər-fəl 

1

: inclined to take control or dominate

2

: having or showing the technical or artistic skill of a master

masterfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

masterfulness noun