Prowess

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈpɹaʊɪs/

Definitions

1. Exceptional skill, ability, or expertise in a particular activity or field, especially one requiring strength, courage, or talent
2. Demonstrated excellence and superior capability in performing difficult tasks or achieving difficult goals
3. Outstanding competence and mastery displayed through successful accomplishment of challenging feats or activities

Etymology: The word "prowess" arrived in English from Old French "proeche," which meant "goodness" or "excellence" as well as "bravery." Its Old French source traces back to "preu," an adjective meaning "good," "excellent," or "brave." The modern sense of skill and ability is therefore not a late development: the original meaning was already a mix of moral worth and martial courage, and English inherited that blend. Middle English spellings such as "prowesse" and "prouesce" show the word being used for bravery in battle, for a brave deed, and for nobility of character. The adjective "preu" is also the ancestor of a family of words in English that many readers would not connect to it. The English word "proud" is related, since both descend from the same root meaning "good" or "valiant." In medieval usage, a proud person was often a worthy, admirable one before the word took on its later sense of vanity.

Synonyms: skill, expertise

Antonyms: ineptitude, inability