skilled - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
skilled Word Meanings
- having the abilities and training to do something well
- proficient or highly trained in a particular activity
- performed with a high level of skill; expertly done
skilled Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
skilled Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/skɪld/
US
/skɪld/
skilled Word Etymology
(a) Root decomposition: root skill + suffix -ed forms the adjective skilled. (b) Historical origin: from the noun skill, Old English origins from Proto-Germanic *skil- meaning knowledge. (c) Memory image: imagine a craftsman shaping wood with precise, practiced motions, showing skill.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Skilled is an adjective that describes someone who has the abilities and training to do a task well. It signals a higher level of capability than a novice, often reflecting formal training, practice, or long experience. In many contexts, skilled is paired with a preposition such as at or in, as in skilled at painting or skilled in carpentry. People may say someone is highly skilled or a skilled tradesperson to emphasize competence. Unlike the adverb form skillfully, which describes how an action is performed, skilled describes the person or their general level of competence. The word supports both occupational and generic descriptions of proficiency.
Usage Reminders
- - Use skilled to describe people with training and practice.
- - Pair with at or in: skilled at something, skilled in an area.
- - Compare: highly skilled, skilled tradesperson.
- - Distinguish from skillful (adverb: skillfully).
- - Use in workplace or generic contexts to describe competence.
Common Misconceptions
- Skilled does not mean expert in all situations; it depends on the task.
- Do not use skilled where you mean skillful for describing an action.
- Skilled can describe people across jobs, not only manual trades.
- Avoid thinking skilled always implies formal certification; experience also counts.
- Skilled and highly skilled are gradable; you can say more/less skilled.
Thinking Differences
In English, skill is often framed around a mix of training and experience, with clear collocations like skilled at and highly skilled. Learners may overgeneralize to every task or mix up with the adverb form skillfully.
Learning Tips
- Learn key collocations: skilled at, skilled in, highly skilled.
- Practice noun phrases: a skilled worker, a highly skilled tradesperson.
- Compare with skillful and skillfully to use them correctly.
- Note that skilled describes people, not actions.
- Use in both specific and general contexts (job ads, resumes).
- Relax with pronunciation; the word sounds safer than its intensity suggests.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Which definition best matches the word skilled?
A.Having training, experience, or ability in a particular task
B.Being very quick to move or run
C.Feeling happy and content
D.Being very small in size
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word skilled correctly?
A.The skilled surgeon performed the operation with steady hands
B.The cup was skilled on the table
C.They skilled the meeting to start early
D.He is skilleding at chess since childhood
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to skilled?
A.novice
B.proficient
C.hesitant
D.awkward
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of skilled?
A.expert
B.adept
C.unskilled
D.talented
Step 5: Mastery
Which situation is one where the word skilled would be used correctly?
A.A surgeon successfully completes a complicated operation after years of practice
B.A child plays with blocks for the first time
C.A person forgets their keys and cannot enter their house
D.A machine breaks down and stops working
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