Literary notes about deft (AI summary)
The word "deft" has been employed in literature to evoke a sense of skillful agility, whether in physical movements or in more abstract, intellectual contexts. In adventure and action narratives, it frequently characterizes a nimble and precise handling of objects or situations, as seen with Robin Hood’s renowned quarterstaff techniques ([1], [2]) or a quick, rearranged gesture ([3]). At times, authors extend its usage to represent the artful coordination of thought or social maneuvering—illustrated by the character’s graceful assertion of superiority or the skilful guidance of action ([4], [5]). Moreover, the term finds itself adaptable to descriptions of both physical and mental dexterity in various contexts, from the agile craftsmanship in poetic comparisons ([6], [7]) to the subtle, calculated movements that underscore a character’s personality or intellect ([8], [9]).
- "But men do call him a right deft hand at quarterstaff.
— from The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle - Then Robin Hood laughed aloud and quickly took the warrant from out the Tinker's pouch with his deft fingers.
— from The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle - With a deft gesture, he rearranged it.
— from The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie - The guiding of thought and the deft coordination of deed is at once the path of honor and humanity.
— from The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois - The tragedy began quietly enough, and, like many another talk, by the man’s deft assertion of his superiority.
— from Howards End by E. M. Forster - The poet usually compares his work to a car wrought and put together by a deft craftsman.
— from A History of Sanskrit Literature by Arthur Anthony Macdonell - Characteristically deft-handed, they are often said to have acquired the rank of deities by their marvellous skill.
— from A History of Sanskrit Literature by Arthur Anthony Macdonell - But I quickly gathered my wits together and gave her a visiting card, which she slipped into her pocket with a quick, deft movement.
— from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant - None may palter with the King’s command, or fit it to his ease, where it doth chafe, with deft evasions.
— from The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
