Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.
masterful — adjective 1) a masterful man Syn: commanding, powerful, imposing, magisterial, lordly, authoritative; dominating, domineering, overbearing, overweening, imperious Ant: weak 2) t … Thesaurus of popular words
masterly — See masterly, masterful … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
masterful — See masterly, masterful … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
masterly — masterful, masterly Although both words have at some time in their history shared all the meanings involved here, they have settled down in more recent usage in such a way that masterful conveys meanings to do with dominance and power whereas… … Modern English usage
masterful — masterful, masterly Although both words have at some time in their history shared all the meanings involved here, they have settled down in more recent usage in such a way that masterful conveys meanings to do with dominance and power whereas… … Modern English usage
masterful — , masterly Most authorities continue to insist that we observe a distinction between these two namely that masterly should apply to that which is adroit and expert and masterful to that which is imperious and domineering. Useful as the… … Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors
masterful — ► ADJECTIVE 1) powerful and able to control others. 2) performed or performing very skilfully. DERIVATIVES masterfully adverb. USAGE Strictly, there is a distinction between masterful and masterly: both mean ‘very skilful’, but only masterful … English terms dictionary
masterful — [mas′tər fəl] adj. 1. fond of acting the part of a master; domineering; imperious 2. having or showing the ability of a master; expert; skillful; masterly: usage objected to by some masterfully adv. masterfulness n. SYN. MASTERFUL implies such… … English World dictionary
masterful — [adj] expert, skilled adept, adroit, clever, consummate, crack, crackerjack*, deft, dexterous, excellent, exquisite, fine, finished, first rate, master, masterly, preeminent, proficient, skillful, superior, superlative, supreme, transcendent;… … New thesaurus
masterful — adjective Date: 15th century 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 adverb • masterfulness noun Synonyms: masterful … New Collegiate Dictionary
