Masterful vs Handy - What's the difference?
masterful | handy | Related terms |
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.
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:
* 1868-69 , Louisa May Alcott, Little Women , Chapter 38:
* 1908 , E. M. Forster, A Room with a View , Chapter 18, Lucy to Mr. Beebe about Cecil:
Easy to use, useful.
Nearby, within reach.
(dialect) dexterous, skilful
Masterful is a related term of handy.
As an adjective masterful
is of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly.As a noun handy is
tail.masterful
English
Alternative forms
* masterfull (archaic)Adjective
(en adjective)- The masterful conducting ensured the orchestra gave of their best .
- ...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...
- When John spoke in that masterful tone, Meg always obeyed, and never regretted her docility.
- ...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 * masterfulnesshandy
English
Adjective
(er)- Some people regard duct tape as a handy fix-all .
- You wouldn’t have a screwdriver handy , would you ?
- She's very handy - she made all her own kitchen cupboards.