DEFTLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does deftly mean? 

• DEFTLY (adverb)
  The adverb DEFTLY has 2 senses:

1. with dexterity; in a dexterous manner

2. in a deft manner

  Familiarity information: DEFTLY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DEFTLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

With dexterity; in a dexterous manner

Synonyms:

deftly; dexterously; dextrously

Context example:

dextrously he untied the knots

Pertainym:

deft (skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands)

Sense 2

Meaning:

In a deft manner

Context example:

Lois deftly removed her scarf

Pertainym:

deft (skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands)

 Context examples 

He shot out his hand as he spoke, and plucking Alleyne's bottle out of his scrip, he deftly knocked the neck off, and poured the half of it down his throat.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He proceeded then, swiftly and deftly, to carry out his intent.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

It was all done so swiftly and deftly that the fellow was helpless before he knew that he was attacked.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Both tackles were hooked in a trice, and the three men, deftly timing the roll, made a simultaneous leap aboard the schooner.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

It came out with a brown rice paper and a pinch of Mexican tobacco, which were deftly rolled together into a cigarette.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Then, ere the sun was on the slope of the heavens, they had deftly trussed up again, and were swinging merrily upon their way, two hundred feet moving like two.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He was a man of such gigantic strength that, even with the handcuffs which Holmes had so deftly fastened upon his wrists, he would have very quickly overpowered my friend had Hopkins and I not rushed to his rescue.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)