mastery

noun

mas·​tery ˈma-st(ə-)rē 

1

a

: the authority of a master : dominion

b

: the upper hand in a contest or competition : superiority, ascendancy

2

a

: possession or display of great skill or technique

b

: skill or knowledge that makes one master of a subject : command

Synonyms

• command
• IQ
• mastership
• proficiency

Examples of mastery in a Sentence

We were impressed by her mastery of the subject.

She achieved a complete mastery of French.

He struggled to gain mastery of his fears.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cooking the eggs properly requires attention to detail, control of heat, and mastery of the timing and technique. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 17 June 2024

This isn't easy and will require mastery of thermal and pressure conditions to prevent boil-off of cryogenics and the use of small settling thrusters to generate a small amount of artificial gravity to force the fluids toward the outlet to flow from one ship to another. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 3 May 2024

The charming patio radiates relaxation despite the technical mastery on display in the kitchen. —Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Feb. 2024

Alexander Chee is an exquisite writer, and this novel is proof of his mastery on the sentence level. —Kristen Arnett, TIME, 4 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English maistrie, from Anglo-French mestrie, maistrie, from meistre master

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mastery

• self-mastery

Kids Definition

mastery

noun

mas·​tery ˈmas-t(ə-)rē 

plural masteries

1

: the position or authority of a master

2

: victory

3

: skill or knowledge that makes one master of something : command

a mastery of French