proficient

Definition

Good at something; skilled; fluent; practiced, especially in relation to a task or skill.

Etymology

From Latin proficiens, present participle of proficere (“to go forward, advance, make progress, succeed, be profitable or useful”), from pro (“forth, forward”) + facere (“to make, do”); see fact.

Example Sentences

• "He was a proficient writer with an interest in human nature."
• "By constant playing and experimenting with these he learned to tie rude knots, and make sliding nooses; and with these he and the younger apes amused themselves. What Tarzan did they tried to do also, but he alone originated and became proficient."