masterly
UK /ˈmɑːstəli/ · US /ˈmæstɚli/ adjective, adverb
Forms masterlie
- adjective Executed in the manner of a master; showing competence and skill; masterful. “Her years of experience enabled her to render a masterly performance.”
- adjective (usually derogatory, obsolete) Like a master; arbitrary; domineering, imperious.
- adverb (archaic) In a masterful manner; competently, masterfully.
Synonyms
maestrolike masterlike masterous able artful habile accomplished adept adroit apt capable competent consummate conversant crack crafty deft dexterous expert facile masterful virtuoso
Etymology
From Middle English maisterli, from maister (“leader, ruler; high official; official in charge of a place; person in control; employer; owner; schoolmaster, teacher; scholar, sage; holder of a master's degree; religious teacher; master craftsman; expert; magician; social superior; husband; lover; Jesus Christ; a god; male stud animal”) + -li (suffix forming adjectives). Maister is derived from Old English mæġester (“master”) and Old French maistre (“master”) (modern French maître), both from Latin magister (“teacher; master”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *méǵh₂s (“big, great”). The English word is analysable as master + -ly.
From Middle English maisterli (“artistically; skilfully; in the manner of a conqueror or master; overconfidently”), from maister (see etymology 1) + -li (suffix forming adverbs); analysable as master + -ly (suffix forming adverbs).
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Suitable to, or characteristic of, a master; indicating thorough knowledge or superior skill and power; showing a master's hand; as, a masterly design; a masterly performance; a masterly policy. "A wise and masterly inactivity." Sir J. Mackintosh.
- adjective Imperious; domineering; arbitrary.
- adverb With the skill of a master.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “masterly”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details