deft

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Translations 1.4 See also

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Middle English defte, daft (“‘gentle’”), from Old English gedæfte (“‘mild, meek’”), from common Proto-Germanic *gadafta-, derived from *dab- (“‘be suitable’”), from Proto-Indo-European *dhabh- (“‘fitting, fit together’”). Near cognates include Gothic 𐌲𐌰𐌳𐍉𐍆𐍃 (gadōfs), “‘suitable’”). Further cognates include Russian добро (dobro), “‘good’”) and Latin faber (“‘craftsman; skillful’”).

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA: /dɛft/, SAMPA: /dEft/

   Audio (US)^{help, file}

• Rhymes: -ɛft

[edit] Adjective

deft (comparative defter, superlative deftest)

1. Quick and neat in action; skillful

   He assembled it in one fluid, deft motion.

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• daft