Literary notes about Deftly (AI summary)
The term "deftly" is employed by writers as a subtle marker of skillful, precise, and almost effortless movement or execution. In poetic verse, it suggests an elegant artistry—for instance, leaves are "deftly strung" about crystal columns [1] or a weapon is "deftly planned" to empower a divine craftsman’s hand [2]. In narrative prose, the adverb conveys not only rapidity but also a deliberate, controlled precision, as seen when Usher Maillard “deftly, unerring he walks” with his "outspread palm" [3] or when a character "deftly" switches the subject during a tense dialogue [4]. Whether used to heighten the visual grace of natural beauty or to underline a character's calculated prowess in action, "deftly" enriches the reader’s experience by emphasizing the fluidity and expert control inherent in both mundane and heroic tasks [5, 6].
- From house to house the Vánar went And marked each varied ornament, Where leaves and blossoms deftly strung About the crystal columns hung.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - I give thee as a priceless boon The Dew, the weapon of the Moon, And add the weapon, deftly planned, That strengthens Viśvakarmá's hand.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - Usher Maillard falls not: deftly, unerring he walks, with outspread palm.
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - Herm rambled on for several minutes, but presently Flash deftly switched the subject.
— from Flash Evans and the Darkroom Mystery by Frank Bell - he deftly turned the talk to other matters, with the purpose of sweeping the unlucky seal out of Tom’s thoughts—a purpose which easily succeeded.
— from The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain - Quickly and deftly the young surgeon unwound the bandages which the master had tied around the wounded lad's head, and examined the injury carefully.
— from The Wonder of War on Land by Francis Rolt-Wheeler
