dexterity
Meaning
Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands.
Mental skill or quickness.
Structure
Usage
The surgeon performed the delicate procedure with remarkable dexterity.
He solved the puzzle with a combination of intellectual dexterity and patience.
Playing the violin well requires years of practice to develop the necessary finger dexterity.
Etymology
The word 'dexterity' originates from the Latin adjective dexter, meaning "on the right side" or "skillful." This association stems from the ancient and widespread cultural bias favoring the right hand as the more adept and fortunate one. The suffix -itas was added to form the abstract noun dexteritas, denoting the quality or state of being skillful. As the term passed through French (dextérité) and into English, it retained its core meaning of manual adroitness while expanding to encompass mental agility and cleverness, thus preserving the original link between the "right" side and proficiency.
Analysis
'dexter' is from Latin dexter meaning "on the right side, skillful." 'ity' is a noun-forming suffix from Latin -itas, indicating a state or condition.