masterful
adjective
- fond of acting the part of a master; domineering; imperious
- having or showing the ability of a master; expert; skillful; masterly: usage objected to by some
See masterful in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(măsˈtər-fəl)
adjective- Given to playing the master; imperious or domineering.
- Fit to command.
- Revealing mastery or skill; expert: a masterful technique; masterful moviemaking.
Related Forms:
Usage Note: According to a widely repeated dictum,
masterful should be reserved for the sense “imperious, domineering” (as in
a masterful tone of voice), whereas
masterly should be the choice when the intended sense is “having the skill of a master” (as in
a masterly performance of the sonata). The distinction can serve a useful purpose, but
masterful in the latter sense has long been common in reputable writing and cannot be regarded as incorrect.
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