proficient
Competent and skilled at doing something
Examples
In a meeting
“She's proficient in three programming languages.”
Over coffee
“He's become proficient at making sourdough bread.”
Why this word
skilled
Proficient indicates competence through practice or study, while skilled is broader and less specific
good
Proficient denotes a measurable level of competence, while good is subjective and imprecise
capable
Proficient suggests demonstrated ability through training, while capable only implies potential
Usage tip
Use to describe someone who has developed solid skills through practice, more than basic but not necessarily expert
Etymology
Latin: proficere (to make progress)
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Related words
adept
Very skilled or proficient at something
versed
Experienced or skilled in a particular area of knowledge
mastery
Comprehensive knowledge or skill in a particular subject or activity
literate
Having knowledge or competence in a specified area
proficiency
A high degree of skill or expertise in a particular area
literacy
Competence or knowledge in a specified area