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Proficient vs Specialize - What's the difference?

proficient | specialize |

As an adjective proficient

is good at; skilled; fluent; practiced, especially in relation to a task or skill.

As a noun proficient

is an expert.

As a verb specialize is

to mention specially; to particularize.

proficient

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Good at; skilled; fluent; practiced, especially in relation to a task or skill.
    • He was a proficient writer with an interest in human nature.
  • * 1912 : (Edgar Rice Burroughs), (Tarzan of the Apes), Chapter 5
    • By constant playing and experimenting with these he learned to tie rude knots, and make sliding nooses; and with these he and the younger apes amused themselves. What Tarzan did they tried to do also, but he alone originated and became proficient .

    Synonyms

    * (good at) skilled, fluent, practiced

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An expert.

    • Synonyms

    * (expert) expert; see also

    Related terms

    * profit * profitability * profitable * profiteer * proficiency

    External links

    * * ----

    specialize

    English

    Alternative forms

    * specialise (non-Oxford British spelling)

    Verb

    (specializ)
  • To mention specially; to particularize.
  • To apply to some specialty or limited object; to assign to a specific use; as, specialized knowledge.
  • (biology) To supply with an organ or organs having a special function or functions.

    • Antonyms

    * generalize

    Derived terms

    * specialty, speciality * specialist * subspecialize * subspecialty, subspeciality * subspecialist * specialisation, specialization