What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deft
Example
The chef was deftly chopping the vegetables with his knife. [deftly: adverb]
Example
She showed a deft touch in handling the difficult customer. [deft: adjective]
adept
Example
He is an adept musician who can play multiple instruments. [adept: adjective]
Example
She quickly became adept at using the new software. [adept: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adept is less common than deft in everyday language, but is still widely used in formal and academic contexts to describe someone who is highly skilled or proficient in a particular area.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deft and adept?
Adept is generally considered more formal than deft, and is often used in professional or academic settings to describe someone's level of expertise or proficiency.
