deftly
UK: ˈdɛftli | US: ˈdɛftli
adv. skillfully and neatly in action or movement
adv. cleverly or resourcefully in handling situations
The word "deftly" combines "deft," derived from Middle English defte (meaning "gentle" or "skillful"), and the adverbial suffix "-ly." Originally, "deft" traced back to Old English gedæfte ("mild" or "fitting"), related to dafenian ("to befit"). Over time, "deft" shifted from "gentle" to "skillful," emphasizing precision. The suffix "-ly" (from Old English -līce) standardizes the adjective into an adverb, forming "deftly" to describe actions performed with adeptness.
She deftly avoided the question by changing the subject.
The chef deftly sliced the vegetables into thin strips.
He navigated the negotiations deftly, securing a favorable deal.
The artist painted deftly, capturing every detail with ease.
The cat landed deftly on its feet after jumping from the shelf.