What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dexterous
Example
The magician's dexterous fingers moved quickly as he performed his tricks. [dexterous: adjective]
Example
She showed her dexterity in knitting a sweater in just a few hours. [dexterity: noun]
adept
Example
He is an adept musician, able to play multiple instruments with ease. [adept: adjective]
Example
She showed her adeptness in solving complex math problems. [adeptness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adept is more commonly used than dexterous in everyday language. Adept is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dexterous is less common and refers specifically to manual dexterity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dexterous and adept?
Both dexterous and adept are formal words, but adept is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
