What does workmanly mean?
Workmanly describes work performed with skill, competence, and practical care. Its implication is often that the maker understands both the purpose of the task and the correct way to execute it, rather than merely completing the work quickly or approximately. The word can be used adjectivally in phrases such as “workmanly craftsmanship,” while adverbial uses describe how an activity is carried out: “The joiner repaired the frame workmanly.” Although its sound suggests a connection with manhood, the word actually derives from workman, meaning a worker or craftsman, plus the suffix -ly. Today workmanly is somewhat literary and old-fashioned; workmanlike is the more common modern adjective. Despite its limited everyday use, workmanly remains useful for emphasizing disciplined craft, sound workmanship, and the quiet satisfaction of a task done properly.
Characterized by skill, competence, and practical care in the doing of work.
"The cabinet displays workmanly construction throughout."
Old-fashioned and literary; workmanlike is more common in modern usage.
In a skillful, competent, and practical manner.
"He repaired the mechanism neatly and workmanly."
The adverbial sense is somewhat literary and is often interchangeable with workmanlike.
Workmanly preserves an old-fashioned craftsman's ideal: doing a job properly matters more than merely finishing it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of workmanly
Workmanly was formed in English from workman and the suffix -ly. Workman itself developed from work and has long referred to a worker, especially one who performs manual or skilled labor. The adjective and adverb senses developed from the idea of skilled or competent workmanship, while workmanlike later became the more familiar modern form.
How workmanly is actually used
Workmanly is literary and old-fashioned in modern English. It is especially associated with craftsmanship, practical competence, and careful execution; the more familiar modern equivalent is workmanlike.
Easily confused with workmanly
Workmanly is an older and more literary word, whereas workmanlike is the standard modern adjective for something showing practical skill or good craftsmanship.
A workman is a person who does manual or skilled work, while workmanly is an adjective or adverb describing the manner of that work.