Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Masterly
Mas′ter-ly
,Adj.
1.
Suitable to, or characteristic of, a master; indicating thorough knowledge or superior skill and power; showing a master’s hand;
“A wise and masterly inactivity.” as, a
masterly
design; a masterly
performance; a masterly
policy. Sir J. Mackintosh.
2.
Imperious; domineering; arbitrary.
Mas′ter-ly
,adv.
With the skill of a master.
Thou dost speak
masterly
. Shakespeare
Webster 1828 Edition
Masterly
M`ASTERLY
,Adj.
1.
Imperious.M`ASTERLY
,adv.
Thou dost speak masterly.
'I think it very masterly written,' in Swift, is improper or unusual.
Definition 2024
masterly
masterly
English
Adjective
masterly (comparative more masterly, superlative most masterly)
- That has been executed in the manner of one who is a master; extremely competent.
- Her years of experience enabled her to render a masterly performance.
- Imperious; domineering; arbitrary.
Derived terms
Adverb
masterly (comparative more masterly, superlative most masterly)
- In a masterful manner; competently.
- It was a joy to hear him play his violin masterly.