1
Core quality
Clever, skilful, and effective in handling a difficult task or situation.
Example
Her adroit questioning exposed the contradiction.
adroit
/əˈdrɔɪt/ · uh-DROYTadjective
Clever, skilful, and effective in handling a difficult task or situation.
Use adroit to express this relationship precisely: clever, skilful, and effective in handling a difficult task or situation.
What adroit Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
An adroit negotiator found terms acceptable to both sides.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The essay makes an adroit transition between the two theories.
Use adroit Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Her adroit questioning exposed the contradiction.
An adroit negotiator found terms acceptable to both sides.
The essay makes an adroit transition between the two theories.
Precision Matters
Adroit overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
adroit
vs.Means clever, skilful, and effective in handling a difficult task or situation.
dexterous
Means skilful and coordinated, especially in using the hands.
adroit
vs.Means clever, skilful, and effective in handling a difficult task or situation.
ingenious
Means very clever, inventive, or resourceful.
adroit
vs.Means clever, skilful, and effective in handling a difficult task or situation.
ineffectual
Means failing to produce the intended or desired effect.
adroit
vs.Means clever, skilful, and effective in handling a difficult task or situation.
meticulous
Means extremely careful and precise.
Test adroit in Context
The diplomacy is skilful and effective in a difficult situation.
1
Through ___ diplomacy, the mediator persuaded both groups to resume negotiations.