deft

Etymology

From Middle English defte, daft (“gentle”), from Old English dæfte, ġedæfte (“mild, gentle, meek”), from Proto-Germanic *daftuz (“accommodating, convenient”), derived from *dabaną (“to be suitable”), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰabʰ- (“fitting, fit together”). Near cognates include Gothic 𐌲𐌰𐌳𐍉𐍆𐍃 (gadōfs, “suitable”), West Frisian deftich (“distinguished”), Dutch deftig (“distinguished”), German deftig (“coarse”). Further cognates include Russian добро (dobro, “wealth, good”) and Latin faber (“craftsman; skillful”).

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /dɛft/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɛft

Adjective

deft (comparative defter, superlative deftest)

1. Quick and neat in action; skillful.

   He assembled it in one fluid, deft motion.

See also

• daft