expertly

expertly — adverb

1. with the high level of skill that comes from training and natural talent, so tha

1.adverbB2
Definition

with the high level of skill that comes from training and natural talent, so that difficult actions are performed very well

Example

The pastry chef expertly folded the delicate layers of dough for the croissants.

expertly + active verb

Despite the thick fog, the pilot landed the damaged aircraft expertly.

adverb after verb + object

Common collocations
  • expertly crafted
  • expertly prepared
  • expertly restored
  • expertly performed
  • expertly navigated
  • expertly balanced
  • expertly designed
  • expertly managed
Synonyms
  • skillfully

    the most direct synonym; slightly less formal and more general in use

  • adeptly

    implies quickness and natural ease alongside skill; slightly more formal

  • masterfully

    suggests complete command and authority; higher level of praise

  • proficiently

    emphasizes tested competence and efficiency; more technical or workplace-oriented

Antonyms
  • clumsily

    opposite — without skill, in an awkward way

  • poorly

    opposite in quality — done badly or inadequately

Grammar Patterns

expertly + active verb

verb + object + expertly

be + expertly + past participle

Expertly, + clause

Usage Note

Commonly placed before the main verb (expertly + verb) or after the verb phrase (verb + expertly). In formal writing it can appear at the start of a sentence to emphasize the manner of the action. Frequently used with past participles in passive constructions.

Common Mistakes

She expertly knows the rules of the game.
She has expert knowledge of the rules of the game.
'expertly' sounds unnatural with stative verbs like 'know'; use an adjective or a different structure instead.
He can expertly drive.
He drives expertly.
With simple action verbs, placing 'expertly' after the verb sounds more natural than before it.
The nurse expertly took care of the patient carefully.
The nurse expertly took care of the patient.
Adding 'carefully' after 'expertly' is redundant; 'expertly' already implies carefulness.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four words describe doing something with ability, but they differ in emphasis. Skillfully is the most general term, covering physical, creative, and mental tasks equally — a carpenter works skillfully, and a teacher explains skillfully. Adeptly adds a sense of quickness and natural ease, as if the task comes almost without effort; it suits fast-moving physical work like a pianist playing adeptly. Masterfully is the strongest, suggesting total command and authority — a masterfully directed film leaves no doubt about the director's control. Proficiently is more technical and evaluation-focused, common in workplace settings: someone who types proficiently meets a measured standard. In everyday conversation, skillfully is the safest choice; for formal writing, choose based on whether you want to highlight ease (adeptly), authority (masterfully), or tested competence (proficiently).

skillfullyadeptlymasterfullyproficiently

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • very expertly
  • quite expertly
  • most expertly

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Formed in the 17th century from the adjective 'expert' (meaning 'trained by experience', from Latin 'expertus', the past participle of 'experiri' — 'to try, test') plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. The sense of 'done with practiced skill' has remained stable since its first recorded use.