Skill
/skɪl/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe learned capacity to carry out predetermined results often with the minimum outlay of time, energy, or both.
/skɪl/
The ability to do something well.
Playing the guitar requires a lot of skill.
💡 Simply: Skill is like your superpower. It's something you can do really well, like playing a video game or drawing. The more you practice, the better your skill gets!
👶 For kids: Being able to do something well after learning about it, like drawing or playing sports.
More Examples
He developed his coding skills through online courses.
The chef's cooking skills were evident in every dish.
How It's Used
"She has excellent communication skills."
"His technical skills are highly valued by the company."
"The artist demonstrated impressive skill in painting portraits."
To develop expertise in a specific area or activity.
/skɪl/
To develop or improve a skill.
He is skilling up in digital marketing.
💡 Simply: To skill up means to learn something new or get better at something you already know how to do. It's like leveling up in a video game, but in real life!
👶 For kids: To learn how to do something better and better.
More Examples
The company is providing training programs to skill their employees.
She is determined to skill herself in public speaking.
How It's Used
"She is actively skilling up in data analysis."
"The workshop aims to skill participants in conflict resolution."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a skill set
The set of abilities and knowledge possessed by a person or organization.
"Applicants should possess a diverse skill set."
have the skill to...
To possess the ability required for an action.
"Do you have the skill to fix this?"
From Old Norse *skil*, meaning 'distinction, knowledge, understanding'. It evolved to encompass the ability or expertise to do something well.
The word 'skill' has been used since the 13th century, evolving from a concept of understanding to encompass practical abilities.
Memory tip
Think of 'skill' as something you learn and become good at, like riding a bike.
Word Origin
"distinction, knowledge, understanding"