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Skill Definition, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1:learned ability (skill)

skill 🔊
/skɪl/
n.
The ability to do something well because you learned and practiced it.
Skill in action: hands chopping vegetables with precision
learned ability 🔊
/ˈlɜːrnd əˈbɪləti/
n.
The capacity to perform a task well through learning and practice.
📁 Category:Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level:Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation
From Old Norse 'skil' meaning distinction, ability to discern.
💡 Mnemonic
S.K.I.L.L. = Special Know-how In Learning and Labor.
📖 Example
She has the skill to bake perfect bread every single time. 🔊 Her skill allows her to bake perfect bread every single time.
🔗 Collocations
practical skill – A hands-on ability used in everyday tasks
skill set – A collection of abilities relevant to a job or activity
acquire a skill – To learn and develop a new ability through practice
🔄 Synonyms
ability (n.) – The power or capacity to do something
expertise (n.) – Great skill or knowledge in a particular field
proficiency (n.) – A high degree of competence in a specific area
🚫 Antonyms
inability (n.) – Lack of the power or capacity to do something
incompetence (n.) – Lack of the necessary skill or ability
🌱 Derivatives
skilled (adj.) – Having or showing the skills needed to do a job well
skillful (adj.) – Having or showing great skill
skills (n.) – Plural form of skill; multiple abilities
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Old Norse 'skil' (distinction), evolving through Middle English to denote expertness. Often used in contexts of craftsmanship and trades.

Meaning 2:specialized ability (skill)

skill 🔊
/skɪl/
n.
A particular type of ability that requires special training or knowledge, like in a job or sport.
Skill in technology: engineer assembling a circuit board
specialized ability 🔊
/ˈspeʃəlaɪzd əˈbɪləti/
n.
A specific type of ability requiring special training or knowledge, often in a professional context.
📁 Category:Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level:Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example
The surgeon's steady hands and deep knowledge are a result of years of medical skill. 🔊 The surgeon's steady hands and deep knowledge are a result of years of medical skill.
🔗 Collocations
technical skill – Specialist practical ability in a technical field
surgical skill – Precise manual and cognitive ability required for surgery
skill development – The process of improving one's abilities through training
🔄 Synonyms
expertise (n.) – Great skill or knowledge in a particular field
mastery (n.) – Comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject
competence (n.) – The ability to do something successfully or efficiently
🚫 Antonyms
ignorance (n.) – Lack of knowledge or awareness
clumsiness (n.) – Lack of grace or skill in movement or action
🌱 Derivatives
skilled (adj.) – Having or showing the skills needed to do a job well
skillful (adj.) – Having or showing great skill
skills (n.) – Plural form of skill; multiple abilities
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