masterly Meaning & Definition
What Does Masterly Mean?
Masterly is used as an adjective meaning Executed in the manner of a master; showing competence and skill; masterful. It is also used to mean Like a master; arbitrary; domineering, imperious. As an adverb, it means In a masterful manner; competently, masterfully.
Quick Facts About Masterly
| Part of speech | adjective, adverb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈmɑːstəli/ |
| Synonyms | virtuoso, consummate and skilled |
| Comparative / superlative | more masterly, most masterly |
Masterly Definition (Adjective)
- Executed in the manner of a master; showing competence and skill; masterful.
Her years of experience enabled her to render a masterly performance.
- Like a master; arbitrary; domineering, imperious.
Masterly as an Adverb
- In a masterful manner; competently, masterfully.
Synonyms of Masterly
Masterly synonyms and antonyms →Masterly in a Sentence
Her years of experience enabled her to render a masterly performance.
Word Forms & Grammar
masterly (comparative more masterly, superlative most masterly)
Words That Rhyme With Masterly
Origin of Masterly
Origin 1: From Middle English maisterli, from maister (“leader, ruler; high official; official in charge of a place; person in control; employer; owner; schoolmaster, teacher; scholar, sage; holder of a master's degree; religious teacher; master craftsman; expert; magician; social superior; husband; lover; Jesus Christ; a god; male stud animal”)[1] + -li (suffix forming adjectives).[2] Maister is derived from Old English mæġester (“master”) and Old French maistre (“master”) (modern French maître), both from Latin magister (“teacher; master”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *méǵh₂s (“big, great”). The English word is analysable as master + -ly.[3]
Origin 2: From Middle English maisterli (“artistically; skilfully; in the manner of a conqueror or master; overconfidently”),[4] from maister (see etymology 1) + -li (suffix forming adverbs);[5] analysable as master + -ly (suffix forming adverbs).[6]
Masterly: Your Questions Answered
Is masterly an adjective or an adverb?
Masterly is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as an adverb.
What is another word for masterly?
Words with a similar meaning to masterly include virtuoso, consummate and skilled. See the full list of masterly synonyms and antonyms.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of masterly?
The comparative form is more masterly and the superlative form is most masterly.