mas ‧ ter ‧ y /ˈmɑːst ə ri $ ˈmæ-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
1 . thorough understanding or great skill
mastery of
She possesses complete technical mastery of her instrument.
2 . complete control or power over someone or something ⇨ master
mastery of/over
humankind’s mastery over the environment
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COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ technical mastery
The technical mastery of the musicians is impressive.
▪ complete/absolute mastery
His latest collection shows his complete mastery of painting with oils.
■ verbs
▪ have mastery of something
She has complete mastery of her instrument.
▪ show mastery of something
The author did not show mastery of psychological theory.
▪ demonstrate mastery of something (=show mastery of something)
During the talk, he demonstrated his mastery of the issues.
▪ gain/achieve mastery of something
He has definitely achieved mastery of this very difficult subject.
■ phrases
▪ a sense of mastery (=the feeling that you can do something well )
Suggesting an activity that a child can do adds to the child's sense of mastery.