What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dexterous
Example
The artist's dexterous fingers moved quickly over the canvas, creating a beautiful painting. [dexterous: adjective]
Example
The gymnast's dexterous movements impressed the judges. [dexterous: adjective]
proficient
Example
She is proficient in several languages, including French and Spanish. [proficient: adjective]
Example
The musician is proficient in playing multiple instruments. [proficient: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Proficient is more commonly used than dexterous in everyday language. Proficient is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while dexterous is more specific and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dexterous and proficient?
Proficient is more formal than dexterous. While dexterous is often used in informal contexts, proficient is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as academic or professional settings.
