masterful
adjective
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.
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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
Examples of masterful in a Sentence
Brian Mazique, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
This is done in part by some masterful pixel-art graphics, which incorporate some wild 2D lighting effects and detailed, painterly sprite world.
—Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2024
Inspired by the 1957 memoirs of legendary burlesque entertainer, stripper and actress Gypsy Rose Lee, the enduring musical has a masterful book by Arthur Laurents rich in character development and captivating dramatic structure.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024
David’s script is a perfect match for Everardo, an incredibly gifted filmmaker, masterful at authentically capturing vivid and complex worlds.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masterful. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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masterful
adjective
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