Skill definition
(archaic) To matter, avail, or make a difference.
verb
The definition of a skill is a talent or ability that comes from training or practice.
An example of skill is the capability to produce fine works of art.
An example of skill is basket weaving.
noun
Great ability or proficiency; expertness that comes from training, practice, etc.
noun
Proficiency, facility, or dexterity that is acquired or developed through training or experience.
Painted with great skill.
noun
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(obs.) Knowledge, understanding, or judgment.
noun
A developed talent or ability.
Improved his writing skills.
noun
An art, trade, or technique, particularly one requiring use of the hands or body.
The skill of glassmaking.
noun
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An art, craft, or science, esp. one involving the use of the hands or body.
noun
(intransitive) To have personal or practical knowledge; be versed or practised; be expert or dextrous.
verb
Ability in such an art, craft, or science.
noun
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(obsolete) A reason; a cause.
noun
(intransitive) To have knowledge or comprehension; discern.
verb
Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
skill
Plural:
skillsOrigin of skill
- Middle English skil from Old Norse discernment skel-1 in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Middle English skilen (also schillen), partly from Old English scylian, scielian (“to separate, part, divide off"); and partly from Old Norse skilja (“to divide, separate"); both from Proto-Germanic *skilōnÄ…, *skiljanÄ… (“to divide, limit"), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kalǝ-, *(s)kelǝ- (“to split, cut"). Cognate with Danish skille (“to separate, discard"), Swedish skilja (“to distinguish, differentiate, part"), Icelandic skilja (“to understand"), Dutch schelen (“to make a difference").
From Wiktionary
- From Middle English skill, skille (also schil, schile), from Old English *scile and Old Norse skil (“a distinction, discernment, knowledge"), from Proto-Germanic *skilin (“separation, limit"), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kalǝ-, *(s)kelǝ- (“to split, cut"). Cognate with Danish skel (“a separation, boundary, divide"), Swedish skäl (“reason"), Dutch verschil (“difference") and schillen (“to sperate the outer layer (schil) from the product", verb).
From Wiktionary