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Masterful vs Amiable - What's the difference?

masterful | amiable |

As adjectives the difference between masterful and amiable

is that masterful is of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly while amiable is friendly; kind; sweet; gracious; as, an amiable temper or mood; amiable ideas.

masterful

English

Alternative forms

* masterfull (archaic)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly.
  • :The brushwork on the skin tones was masterful .
  • In the manner of a master; very skillful.
  • The masterful conducting ensured the orchestra gave of their best .
  • Having or showing the qualities of a master vis-a-vis a dependent or subordinate; authoritative; domineering.
  • * 1847 , Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre , Chapter 14, Rochester to Jane by the fire:
  • ...do you not agree with me that I have a right to be a little masterful , abrupt; perhaps exacting, sometimes, on the grounds I stated...
  • * 1868-69 , Louisa May Alcott, Little Women , Chapter 38:
  • When John spoke in that masterful tone, Meg always obeyed, and never regretted her docility.
  • * 1908 , E. M. Forster, A Room with a View , Chapter 18, Lucy to Mr. Beebe about Cecil:
  • ...it was that he is so masterful . I found that he wouldn't let me go my own way.

    Usage notes

    Historically, definition 3 of masterful''''' (authoritative, domineering) has long been losing ground to definitions 1 and 2 (masterly, skillful). In nineteenth century US usage of '''''masterful , definition 3 was almost always meant (10:1). In contemporary US usage, however, the situation is reversed: definitions 1 or 2 are usually meant (10:1).

    Derived terms

    * masterfully * masterfulness

    amiable

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Friendly; kind; sweet; gracious; as, an amiable temper or mood; amiable ideas.
  • *
  • *:A short time afterward at the opera Gerald dragged him into a parterre to say something amiable to one of the amiable débutante Craig girls—and Selwyn found himself again facing Alixe.
  • Possessing sweetness of disposition; having sweetness of temper; kindhearted; which causes one to be liked; as, an amiable person.
  • *
  • *:A short time afterward at the opera Gerald dragged him into a parterre to say something amiable to one of the amiable débutante Craig girls—and Selwyn found himself again facing Alixe.
  • Usage notes

    * See (amicable).

    Synonyms

    * likable

    Derived terms

    () * amiability * amiableness * amiably