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Proficiency vs Dexterity - What's the difference?

proficiency | dexterity | Related terms |

As nouns the difference between proficiency and dexterity

is that proficiency is ability, skill, competence while dexterity is skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands.

proficiency

English

Noun

(proficiencies)
  • Ability, skill, competence.
    • a test of proficiency in English
    to attain (or to reach) proficiency
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2012 , date=April 26 , author=Tasha Robinson , title=Film: Reviews: The Pirates! Band Of Misfits : , work=The Onion AV Club citation , page= , passage=But Pirates! comes with all the usual Aardman strengths intact, particularly the sense that its characters and creators alike are too good-hearted and sweet to nitpick. The ambition is all in the craft rather than in the storytelling, but it’s hard to say no to the proficiency of that craft, or the mild good cheer behind it. }}

    Synonyms

    * ability * command * competence * skill * See also

    External links

    * *

    dexterity

    English

    Noun

  • Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1913, author=
    • , title=Lord Stranleigh Abroad , chapter=5 citation , passage=She removed Stranleigh’s coat with a dexterity that aroused his imagination. The elder woman returned with dressings and a sponge, which she placed on a chair.}}
    Playing computer games can improve your manual dexterity .
    She twirled the pencil through her fingers with impressive dexterity .
  • (label) Skill in using weapons.

    • Related terms

    * dexterous * ambidextrous