• Today's Word

Adroit

🔊 Listen to the word Adroit

uh-DROYT

Definition

(adjective) Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind; showing resourcefulness and dexterity.

Example

Her adroit handling of the difficult conversation prevented the disagreement from escalating.

Word Origin

Mid-17th century: from French, from the phrase “à droit” meaning “according to right,” from Latin “directus” meaning “direct.”

Fun Fact

Adroit originally referred to right-handedness (as opposed to “gauche,” meaning left-handed and clumsy), reflecting historical bias favoring right-handed dexterity. The French “à droit” literally means “to the right,” connecting physical skill with correctness. While “dexterous” shares this right-handed etymology, “adroit” emphasizes mental agility alongside physical skill. Politicians practice adroit maneuvering through complex situations, social climbers demonstrate adroit networking, and diplomats deploy adroit language to navigate sensitive topics. The opposite “maladroit” means clumsy or inept, though it’s far less commonly used—we’re quicker to praise skill than label awkwardness. Someone adroit makes difficult tasks look effortless, whether juggling, negotiating, or managing interpersonal dynamics, demonstrating the grace that comes from combining intelligence with capability.