What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
skilfully
Example
The chef skilfully prepared the meal, impressing all the guests. [skilfully: adverb]
Example
She is a skilful musician, playing the piano with ease and grace. [skilful: adjective]
proficiently
Example
He proficiently completed the project ahead of schedule, demonstrating his expertise. [proficiently: adverb]
Example
She is a proficient speaker of Spanish, having studied the language for many years. [proficient: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Proficiently is more commonly used than skilfully in American English, while skilfully is more common in British English. However, both words are less common than other synonyms such as expertly or competently.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between skilfully and proficiently?
Proficiently is more formal than skilfully, making it more appropriate for academic or professional contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and tone of the sentence.
