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Prowess is a word with a lot to be proud of. Not only has it performed gallantly for the English language since the 13th century, but it has stayed relatively stalwart in hewing to its original meaning, which is quite a flex. When prowess first joined the ranks of the lexicon, it could be used to refer to bravery, skill, and valor—especially those virtues as encountered in military contexts—or to individual acts of derring-do. The latter was usually used in the plural, as when people waxed rhapsodic about the “prowesses” of knights or some such. Today’s “extraordinary ability” meaning, which developed in the 17th century, tends to stick to the singular form, as when it’s used to describe those with intellectual prowess, or to someone known for their prowess as a fundraiser.
Synonyms
Examples of prowess in a Sentence
Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
The potential return of the Tasmanian tiger will be a culmination of efforts from scientists at the University of Melbourne, the technological prowess of Colossal Biosciences and the genetic contributions of a pickled 110-year old thylacine head.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
The Guanajuato musician’s talents are backed by the prowess of Street Mob Records, helmed by Fuerza Regida’s JOP, who has praised him as one of the label’s most talented artists.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2024
Over time, Kelleher became known as much for his business prowess as his sense of humor.
—Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near prowess
Cite this Entry
“Prowess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prowess. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
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prowess
noun
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