Deft

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dÉ›ft/
• Rhymes: -É›ft

Origin

From Middle English defte, daft ("gentle"), from Old English dæfte, ġedæfte ("mild, gentle, meek"), from Proto-Germanic *daftuz ("accommodating, convenient"), derived from *dabaną ("to be suitable"), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰabʰ- ("fitting, fit together"). Near cognates include Gothic 𐌲𐌰𐌳𐍉𐍆𐍃 (gadōfs, "suitable"). Further cognates include Russian добро (dobro, "wealth, good") and Latin faber ("craftsman; skillful").

Full definition of deft

Adjective

1. Quick and neat in action; skillfulHe assembled it in one fluid, deft motion.