Prowess

/ˈpɹaʊɪs/ · noun

Meaning

(uncountable) Skillfulness or extraordinary ability in a particular area of expertise; dexterity, mastery, or proficiency..

Definitions by Sense

1. (uncountable) Skillfulness or extraordinary ability in a particular area of expertise; dexterity, mastery, or proficiency.
2. (uncountable) Distinguished bravery or courage, especially in battle; heroism.
3. (countable) An act of prowess.

Example Sentences

When in liquor he would make foolish wagers. On one of these too frequent occasions he was boasting of his prowess as a pedestrian and athlete, and the outcome was a match against nature. For a stake of one sovereign he undertook to run all the way to Coventry and back, a distance of something more than forty miles.

There is such a sense of inferiority sometimes when it comes to facing Germany, with all their World Cups, their penalty prowess and easy sophistication, it might come as a surprise to learn that, in head-to-head encounters, England actually match their opponents.

That libertie Poets of late in their invectives have exceeded: they have borne their ſword up where it is not lawfull for a poynado, that is but the page of proweſſe, to intermeddle.

[…] But, wroth because this man in full assembly, / Came and reviled thee, thou wouldst shew thy prowess, / The prowess that attends thee, that henceforth / Not e'er a man might think to scorn thy prowess, […]

A beautiful great lady, past her prime, / Behold her dreaming in her easy chair; / Grey robed, and veiled, in laces old and rare, / Her smiling eyes see but the vanished time / Of splendid prowess, and of deeds sublime.

Synonyms for prowess

Antonyms for prowess

Related Words

Word Forms

• prowesses

Usage Notes

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