What does skillfully mean?
Skillfully is an adverb meaning that an action is performed with skill, competence, precision, and effective technique. It commonly describes actions carried out with care and control, such as handling a difficult situation, negotiating a route, or executing a complex plan. The word is positive in tone and suggests that the performer has both knowledge and practiced ability. It is widely used in journalism, formal reports, criticism, and descriptions of professional work, although it can also occur naturally in conversation. Related forms include the adjectives “skillful” in American English and “skilful” in British English, along with the nouns “skill” and “skillfulness.” Because skillfully already conveys both competence and effective execution, it often carries a slightly formal or approving emphasis rather than merely reporting that an action was completed.
adverbIn a skillful manner, with competence, precision, and effective control of technique.
- In a manner displaying skill, competence, precision, or effective technique.
"She skillfully redirected the conversation without making anyone feel excluded."
"The editor skillfully tightened the argument without diminishing the author's original point."
"He skillfully guided the boat through the narrow channel."
From “skill” to “skillfully” in one step: a compact description of doing something with practiced competence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skillfully come from?
Skillfully is formed from the adjective “skillful” by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly.” The adjective itself derives from “skill,” an Old English word associated with understanding, ability, and reason, with meanings that developed over time toward specialized competence. The family is cognate with forms such as “skilled,” while the spelling “skilfully” is the established British counterpart of the American “skillfully.”
Related word forms
How skillfully is actually used
The adverb is especially common in formal writing, reports, and descriptions of professional performance. In British English, the spelling is usually “skilfully”; American English generally uses “skillfully.” The related adjective is “skillful” in American English and “skilful” in British English.
Easily confused with skillfully
Skilful is chiefly the British spelling of the adjective, while skillfully is the standard American spelling of the adverb.