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n. 1. a. Proficiency, facility, or dexterity that is acquired or developed through training or experience: painted with great skill. b. A developed talent or ability: improved his writing skills. c. An art, trade, or technique, particularly one requiring use of the hands or body: the skill of glassmaking. 2. Obsolete A reason; a cause. [Middle English skil, from Old Norse, discernment; see skel-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] Synonyms: skill, art1, craft, expertise, know-how, technique These nouns denote great ability in doing or performing that is attained especially by study or practice: a shortstop legendary for his fielding skill; mosaics rendered with exquisite art; pottery that reveals an artist's craft; a woodworker with special expertise in parquet floors; mechanical know-how; played the violin with impeccable technique. |
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