Word a Day
prowess
What does prowess mean?
prowess (noun): skillfulness or extraordinary ability in a particular area of expertise; dexterity, mastery, or proficiency.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How do you use prowess in a sentence?
- I wouldn't dare to question your prowess in video games. (Tatoeba sentence #5563588 by AlanF_US, CC BY 2.0 FR)
How do you pronounce prowess?
/ˈpɹaʊəs/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.
Where does prowess come from?
From Middle English prowesse, prouwesse, proues, prouesce, prouesse (“bravery in battle; act of bravery; excellence; nobility of character; intelligence”), from Old French proeche, proesce, proeësche (“goodness; excellence; bravery”).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Test yourself: do you know “prowess”?
Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.
What does “prowess” mean?
the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)
Not quite: that's what valor means.
the property of sticking together (as of glue and wood) or the joining of surfaces of different composition
Not quite: that's what adhesion means.
the process of, or an instance of, identification of the nature and cause of a medical condition or illness
Not quite: that's what diagnosis means.
skillfulness or extraordinary ability in a particular area of expertise; dexterity, mastery, or proficiency
Right! That's what “prowess” means.
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