Dextrous vs. Dexterous — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 15, 2024
"Dextrous" and "dexterous" both describe skillfulness with hands or adroitness, but "dexterous" is the more common spelling in modern usage.
Difference Between Dextrous and Dexterous
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Key Differences
"Dextrous" is an alternative spelling of "dexterous," both of which refer to showing or having skill, especially with the hands. Whereas "dexterous" is more frequently used in contemporary writing, indicating a preference in modern English.
"Dextrous" appears in older texts and is sometimes used to give a text an archaic flavor, on the other hand, "dexterous" is preferred in academic and professional contexts, reflecting current standard usage.
Both "dextrous" and "dexterous" can be used in various contexts, from physical agility to mental sharpness. However, "dexterous" is more likely to be recognized and understood correctly by a wider audience.
In literature, some authors might choose "dextrous" to achieve a specific stylistic effect, whereas "dexterous" remains the standard choice in more straightforward and modern narrative forms.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Less common variant
More commonly accepted
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Usage in Writing
Often in older or stylistic texts
Predominant in modern texts
Perception
Can be perceived as archaic
Viewed as standard
Recommended Use
Limited, stylistic choices
Broad, including academic and professional contexts
Recognition
Lower
Higher, especially in contemporary settings
Compare with Definitions
Dextrous
Skillful in performing tasks, especially with the hands.
She was dextrous enough to juggle six balls at once.
Dexterous
Mentally sharp or clever.
His dexterous strategies in chess make him a formidable opponent.
Dextrous
Showing or having cleverness or skill.
His dextrous handling of the situation avoided conflict.
Dexterous
Showing skill or adroitness in the use of the hands or body.
The surgeon was dexterous in her precise movements.
Dextrous
Mentally adroit; clever.
His dextrous solution to the puzzle impressed everyone.
Dexterous
Skillful in handling complex situations.
He is dexterous in negotiations, always achieving favorable outcomes.
Dextrous
Capable of using both hands equally well.
As a dextrous individual, he could write equally well with either hand.
Dexterous
Quick to understand or learn.
Her dexterous grasp of languages allowed her to master Italian in a few months.
Dextrous
Agile in physical movements.
The magician was dextrous, swiftly changing props without notice.
Dexterous
Able to perform tasks in a smooth and competent manner.
His dexterous guitar playing captivated the audience.
Dextrous
Variant of dexterous.
Dexterous
Skillful in the use of the hands.
Dextrous
Alternative spelling of dexterous.
Dexterous
Having mental skill or adroitness.
Dextrous
Same as Dexterous, Dexterously, etc.
Dexterous
Done with dexterity
A dexterous maneuver.
Dextrous
Skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands;
A deft waiter
Deft fingers massaged her face
Dexterous of hand and inventive of mind
Dexterous
Skillful with one's hands.
Dexterous
Skillful in some specific thing.
Dexterous
Agile; flexible; able to move fluidly and gracefully.
Dexterous
Skilled at argumentation; mentally skillful.
Dexterous
Ready and expert in the use of the body and limbs; skillful and active with the hands; handy; ready; as, a dexterous hand; a dexterous workman.
Dexterous
Skillful in contrivance; quick at inventing expedients; expert; as, a dexterous manager.
Dexterous the craving, fawning crowd to quit.
Dexterous
Done with dexterity; skillful; artful; as, dexterous management.
Dexterous
Skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands;
A deft waiter
Deft fingers massaged her face
Dexterous of hand and inventive of mind
Common Curiosities
What is the primary difference between "dextrous" and "dexterous"?
The primary difference is spelling; "dexterous" is the more commonly accepted form.
Why is "dexterous" more popular than "dextrous"?
"Dexterous" aligns with other similarly structured words in English, making it more popular in contemporary usage.
Can I use "dextrous" in a formal document?
It is advisable to use "dexterous" in formal documents due to its broader acceptance.
Is "dextrous" considered incorrect?
No, "dextrous" is not incorrect but is a less common variant.
Does the choice between "dextrous" and "dexterous" affect the meaning of a sentence?
No, the choice of spelling does not affect the meaning, as they are variants of the same word.
What is the origin of the word "dexterous"?
It originates from the Latin word "dexter," meaning "right-handed" or "skillful."
Can "dextrous" and "dexterous" be used interchangeably in academic writing?
While both can technically be used, "dexterous" is preferred in academic and professional settings.
Is "dexterous" only related to physical skills?
No, "dexterous" can refer to both physical and mental skills.
How should I decide which spelling to use in my writing?
Consider your audience and the context; "dexterous" is generally safer and more universally accepted.
What are some synonyms for "dexterous"?
Skillful, adept, proficient, and adroit are all synonyms.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
