Skill vs. Technique — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 16, 2023
Difference Between Skill and Technique
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Skill" is a broad term that refers to the ability to perform a specific task well. This proficiency can come from training, experience, or innate talent. "Technique," on the other hand, is more specialized. It denotes the specific methods or procedures one employs to execute a skill.
The notion of "skill" often encompasses multiple techniques. For instance, a skilled painter not only knows how to mix colors but also understands various brush techniques. Conversely, "technique" is a subset of skill. Knowing how to perform a specific brush stroke is a technique that contributes to the skill of painting.
From a grammatical standpoint, "skill" is an uncountable noun when discussing general ability ("He has skill in woodworking"). It can also be countable when referring to a specific type of ability ("He has many skills"). "Technique" is generally a countable noun ("She learned several techniques in her photography class").
In educational and training contexts, "skill" is usually what is assessed. For example, a typing test might measure your skill in typing quickly and accurately. "Technique," meanwhile, could be the correct hand positioning or specific keystrokes used, which collectively contribute to the overall skill.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Ability to perform a task well
Specific method for doing a task
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Scope
Broad
Narrow
Grammatical Role
Both countable and uncountable
Generally countable
Usage
Assessed in performance
Part of a skill
Relation
Encompasses techniques
Subset of skill
Compare with Definitions
Skill
Proficiency gained through experience or training.
Her skill in programming landed her a top job.
Technique
A specific way to accomplish a task.
His painting technique is unique and captivating.
Skill
Innate ability or talent in a specific field.
His skill in playing the piano was apparent from a young age.
Technique
A method used in artistic or professional work.
The surgeon employed a new technique for the procedure.
Skill
A developed talent or ability
Improved his writing skills.
Technique
A particular skillfulness in using specific tools or methods.
He mastered the technique of sushi preparation.
Skill
A practical ability in a particular area.
Driving is an essential skill for many people.
Technique
A detailed procedure or skill within a particular task.
The interview technique she used was very effective.
Skill
A skill is the learned ability to perform an action with determined results with good execution often within a given amount of time, energy, or both. Skills can often be divided into domain-general and domain-specific skills.
Technique
A learned manner of execution in any activity.
Her technique in tennis sets her apart from other players.
Skill
Proficiency, facility, or dexterity that is acquired or developed through training or experience
Painted with great skill.
Technique
The basic method for making or doing something, such as an artistic work or scientific procedure
Learned the techniques involved in painting murals.
Skill
An art, trade, or technique, particularly one requiring use of the hands or body
The skill of glassmaking.
Technique
Skill or command in a particular activity
A pianist with superb technique.
Skill
(Obsolete) A reason; a cause.
Technique
(uncountable) The practical aspects of a given art, occupation etc.; formal requirements.
Skill
Capacity to do something well; technique, ability. Skills are usually acquired or learned, as opposed to abilities, which are often thought of as innate.
Where did you pick up that skill?
With great skill, she navigated through the tricky passage.
Doing that coaching course not only taught me useful skills on the field, but also some important life skills.
Technique
(uncountable) Practical ability in some given field or practice, often as opposed to creativity or imaginative skill.
Skill
(obsolete) Discrimination; judgment; propriety; reason; cause.
Technique
(countable) A method of achieving something or carrying something out, especially one requiring some skill or knowledge.
Skill
(obsolete) Knowledge; understanding.
Technique
The method or manner of performance in any art; - also called technic.
Skill
(obsolete) Display of art; exercise of ability; contrivance; address.
Technique
The body of technical methods and procedures used in a science or craft.
Skill
Great, excellent.
Technique
The detailed movements used for executing an artistic performance; technical skill; artistic execution; as, a pianist's fingering technique.
Skill
(transitive) To set apart; separate.
Technique
A practical method or art applied to some particular task
Skill
To discern; have knowledge or understanding; to know how (to).
Technique
Skillfulness in the command of fundamentals deriving from practice and familiarity;
Practice greatly improves proficiency
Skill
To know; to understand.
Skill
(intransitive) To have knowledge or comprehension; discern.
Skill
(intransitive) To have personal or practical knowledge; be versed or practised; be expert or dextrous.
Skill
To make a difference; signify; matter.
Skill
(video games) To spend acquired points in exchange for skills.
Skill
Discrimination; judgment; propriety; reason; cause.
For great skill is, he prove that he wrought.
Skill
Knowledge; understanding.
That by his fellowship he color mightBoth his estate and love from skill of any wight.
Nor want we skill or art.
Skill
The familiar knowledge of any art or science, united with readiness and dexterity in execution or performance, or in the application of the art or science to practical purposes; power to discern and execute; ability to perceive and perform; expertness; aptitude; as, the skill of a mathematician, physician, surgeon, mechanic, etc.
Phocion, . . . by his great wisdom and skill at negotiations, diverted Alexander from the conquest of Athens.
Where patience her sweet skill imparts.
Skill
Display of art; exercise of ability; contrivance; address.
Richard . . . by a thousand princely skills, gathering so much corn as if he meant not to return.
Skill
Any particular art.
Learned in one skill, and in another kind of learning unskillful.
Skill
To know; to understand.
To skill the arts of expressing our mind.
Skill
To be knowing; to have understanding; to be dexterous in performance.
I can not skill of these thy ways.
Skill
To make a difference; to signify; to matter; - used impersonally.
What skills it, if a bag of stones or goldAbout thy neck do drown thee?
It skills not talking of it.
Skill
An ability that has been acquired by training
Skill
Ability to produce solutions in some problem domain;
The skill of a well-trained boxer
The sweet science of pugilism
Skill
A measurable capability in performing a task.
Reading comprehension is an important skill.
Skill
A developed faculty for achieving desired results.
Negotiation is a crucial skill in business.
Common Curiosities
Can you have Skill without Technique?
It's unlikely; techniques are generally the building blocks of a skill.
What is Technique?
Technique is a specific method or way of performing a task.
Is Skill always learned?
Not necessarily; some skills can be innate talents.
Is Skill broader than Technique?
Yes, skill is a broader term that can encompass multiple techniques.
Is Technique countable?
Yes, you can have one technique or several techniques.
What is Skill?
Skill is the ability to perform a specific task well, usually acquired through training or experience.
Can you give an example of Skill and Technique in sports?
A basketball player's skill might be three-point shooting, while their technique could involve their stance and arm extension.
Can you improve your Skill by mastering Techniques?
Yes, mastering specific techniques can contribute to improving an overall skill.
Is Technique always learned?
Generally, yes; techniques are usually learned methods for performing tasks.
How is Skill assessed?
Skill is often assessed through performance metrics or testing.
Is Skill countable?
It can be both countable and uncountable, depending on the context.
Can Technique be artistic?
Absolutely, technique is often discussed in the context of arts like painting, music, and dance.
Can Skill be innate?
Yes, some individuals have innate skills or talents.
Is Technique part of Skill?
Yes, technique is usually considered a component or subset of skill.
Are Skill and Technique interchangeable?
No, they refer to different things; skill is the ability, and technique is the method.
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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
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
