Master confusing words with ease
Masterful vs. Masterly
Masterful
/ˈmɑːstəfəl/Examples:
Crafting a masterful plan, she convinced everyone.The art piece was a masterful blend of colors and form.His masterful storytelling kept the audience enraptured.
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Antonyms:
Masterly
/ˈmɑːstəli/Examples:
Her masterly embroidery stunned the entire audience.His masterly chess strategy ensured a swift victory.The architect's masterly vision transformed the skyline.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Masterly and masterful are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference in their traditional uses.
- Masterful implies having the power and control of a master or being domineering, while masterly implies skill and proficiency.
- Remember that masterful suggests authority, while masterly emphasizes expertise and skill.
- Visualize a masterful person as someone leading or commanding a group, and a masterly person as someone expertly creating art or demonstrating a skill.
- Although usage has evolved, keeping this distinction in mind can help retain clarity in communication.
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