Make Your Point > Archived Issues > DEFT

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"DEFT" Meaning: Deft people and things are skillful in a clever, expert, neat way. Pronunciation: DEFT Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “a deft maneuver.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The maneuver was deft.”) Other forms: deftly, deftness How to use it: Talk about a deft motion or movement, someone's deft execution or completion of some task, someone's deft handling of an object or tool or situation, a deft display or arrangement of something, etc. You can have physical deftness ("the deft strokes of his paintbrush") and social deftness ("his deft deflection of the rude question") and mental deftness ("her deft analysis of the problem.") And though it's less common, you can also talk about deft people: a deft interviewer, this deft ballet dancer, the deft hotel manager, etc. With deft characterization and a swift plot, any novel can pull you into its world. I liked to watch my mom's hands move deftly across the piano keys. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "deft" means when you can explain it without saying "skillful" or "clever." Think of someone you know who works really well with his or her hands, and fill in the blanks: "(Person) has a deft hand with (a particular tool or material.)" Example: "Grandmother had a deft hand with her sewing machine." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month, we're playing with song lyrics that include words featured in issues of Make Your Point. I’ll give you a few lines from the song, with a blank where our word appears, along with its definition. See if you can come up with it! You can follow the link to see the right answer right away, or just wait until the following day’s issue. Have fun! Yesterday's lyrics: Artist: Bad Religion Title: Progress Lyrics:    It's progress 'til there's nothing left to gain    As the _____ of new ideas    Makes us wallow in our shame Definition: a shortage of something important and needed Answer: dearth Try this one today: Artist: Dixie Chicks Title: Long Time Gone Lyrics:    Now they sound tired but they don't sound_____,    They've got money but they don't have Cash.    They got Junior but they don't have Hank. Definition: extremely worn-out and exhausted Peek at the answer... A Point Well Made: Francis Bacon: “If the hill will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet will go to the hill.” 1. The opposite of DEFT is A. INGRAINED B. INEXACT C. INEPT 2. Early reviewers _____ the film's deft mixture of directing styles. A. suggested ways to remedy B. tolerated C. praised Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. C 2. C Exploring the archives: We recently considered the word "mal_____," meaning "clumsy and awkward," an opposite of today's "deft." Can you recall it? Here's one of the example sentences: "I've left one too many mal_____ voicemails, which is sort of why I avoid leaving them at all."