What does dexterity mean?
Word: Dexterity
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Dexterity means skill and speed in using your hands, or sometimes your mind, on a delicate task.
Synonyms: skill, deftness, nimbleness
Antonyms: clumsiness, awkwardness
Word origin: Comes from the Latin word dexter, meaning on the right side, through French.
How do you spell dexterity?
Syllables: dex - ter - i - ty
Tricky part: Said quickly, the word loses part of its middle: the e straight after dext is the letter students drop or change.
Watch out for: dextrity, dextirity, dextarity
Memory tip: Think of a potter or a carpenter, skilled workers whose names have er after the t. Dexterity keeps that same er.
Dexterity in a sentence
Example 1: Grandmother threads the finest needle with a dexterity that surprises all of us.
Example 2: The tabla player's fingers moved with such dexterity that the hall fell silent.
Example 3: Folding a paper crane takes patience as well as dexterity.
Fun Fact
The right hand was once thought to be the skilled one, which explains the word's Latin source. Ambidextrous people, who use both hands equally well, carry the same root.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Champ
Choose the correct option to make a meaningful word:
dexter______
a) ity
b) itie
c) aty
d) ety
Show answer
a) ity. The noun ending here is the same -ity found in purity and rarity.
Jumble Tumble
What is the meaning of the word that can be formed from the given letters?
txeidyert
a) the knack that lets a juggler or tailor work so neatly
b) the habit of putting off every job until later
c) the quality of being ready to forgive other people
d) the feeling of being far from home and friends
Show answer
a) the knack that lets a juggler or tailor work so neatly. All nine letters rebuild dexterity, which is what fine handwork depends on.
Sound Check
In which word is 'x' pronounced differently?
a) exotic
b) textile
c) dexterity
d) oxygen
Show answer
a) exotic. Exotic has a gz sound; the other three have a plain ks.
Word Tally
Score 2 marks for each correctly spelt word. How many marks in all?
dexterrity, serrenity, hospitality, sincerity, humillity
a) 2
b) 8
c) 6
d) 4
Show answer
d) 4. Two words are right, which makes 4: dexterity has one r, serenity one r and humility one l.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A job advert asks for great dexterity. Who is it most likely to be aimed at?
a) a railway announcer
b) a watch repairer
c) a radio newsreader
d) a museum tour guide
Show answer
b) a watch repairer
2. Which adjective most often pairs with dexterity?
a) casual
b) manual
c) mutual
d) annual
Show answer
b) manual
