Skilfully vs. Skillfully: The Correct Spellings

The word "skillfully" derives from the word "skill," which has Old Norse roots, and the adverbial suffix "-fully," meaning 'in a manner full of.'

In American English, the preferred spelling is "skillfully," while "skilfully" is more common in British English. Both spellings are correct but are used differently based on the variant of English. "Skillfully" is used to describe doing something with skill, expertise, or competence.

To remember the American English spelling "skillfully," consider the double 'l' in both "skill" and "-fully." In British English, adverbs often drop one 'l' when adding "-ly," but American English typically retains all original letters.

The spelling difference between "skillfully" and "skilfully" reflects broader differences in American and British spelling conventions, such as "color" vs. "colour" or "traveling" vs. "travelling."

Incorrect: The artist skilfully blended the colors on the canvas.

Correct: The artist skillfully blended the colors on the canvas.

Incorrect: The chef skilfully prepared a dish that impressed everyone.

Correct: The chef skillfully prepared a dish that impressed everyone.

Incorrect: He skilfully navigated the negotiations to a successful conclusion.

Correct: He skillfully navigated the negotiations to a successful conclusion.

Incorrect: She skilfully managed the project, keeping the team on track.

Correct: She skillfully managed the project, keeping the team on track.

Incorrect: The musician skilfully played the difficult piece without a mistake.

Correct: The musician skillfully played the difficult piece without a mistake.

With a high degree of competence and proficiency.

Showing dexterity or adeptness in performance.

In a manner demonstrating great ability or expertise.

With cleverness or ingenuity.

Exhibiting mastery or craftsmanship.

Possessing or exercising skill; expert.

Characterized by, exhibiting, or requiring skill

In a skillful manner; with skill.

with skill;

He skillfully repaired the antique clock to its former glory.

The surgeon skillfully performed the delicate operation.

He skillfully dodged the question without offending anyone.

She skillfully negotiated a better deal for her company.

He skillfully juggled multiple tasks without missing a beat.

She skillfully played the violin, drawing applause from the audience.

The dancer moved skillfully across the stage, captivating the audience.

The teacher skillfully handled the disruptive student.

The pilot skillfully landed the plane in tough weather conditions.

The carpenter skillfully crafted a beautiful wooden table.

The lawyer skillfully argued her case in front of the jury.

She skillfully decorated the cake with intricate icing designs.

She skillfully balanced her work and personal life.

He skillfully edited the manuscript, improving its flow and readability.

She skillfully blended traditional and modern elements in her interior design.

The magician skillfully performed the trick, leaving the audience in awe.

The photographer skillfully captured the beauty of the sunset.

The coder skillfully debugged the software, fixing the issue quickly.

He skillfully designed a marketing campaign that increased sales.

The artist skillfully captured the emotion of the scene in her painting.

The athlete skillfully scored the winning goal.

He skillfully navigated through the crowded streets.

The team skillfully executed the play, securing the victory.

She skillfully led the meeting, ensuring all voices were heard.

The driver skillfully maneuvered the car through the obstacle course.

To move through a situation or process with expertise.

Expertly arranged or coordinated.

Intertwined or combined expertly.

To maintain equilibrium or proportion expertly.

Made or constructed with a high level of skill.

'Skilfully' is not wrong; it's the British English spelling, while 'skillfully' is the American English spelling.

'Skillfully' comes from the Old Norse word 'skil,' meaning distinction, and the suffix '-fully,' meaning 'in a manner full of.'

Yes, but 'skillfully' is preferred in American English, while 'skilfully' is preferred in British English.

'Skillfully' means doing something with great skill, expertise, or competence.

'Skillfully' implies a high level of expertise, while 'competently' suggests adequacy or meeting standard expectations.

Yes, 'skillfully' can be used to describe a wide range of activities, from art to negotiation.

'Skillfully' has consistently been used to denote expertise and high-level proficiency across various fields and contexts.

In American English, remember that both 'skill' and '-fully' have double 'l's, making it 'skillfully.'

American English often retains all the letters from the root word, while British English may drop a letter when adding suffixes.

'Skillfully' is appropriate for both formal and informal writing in American English.