PROFICIENT

[pro.fi.cient] adj [L proficient-, proficiens, prp. of proficere to go forward, accomplish, fr. pro- forward + facere to make--more at pro-, do] (ca. 1590): well advanced in an art, occupation, or branch of knowledge -- proficient n -- pro.fi.cient.ly adv syn proficient, adept, skilled, skillful, expert mean having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession. proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice "proficient in translating foreign languages". adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency "adept at doing long division". skilled stresses mastery of technique "a skilled surgeon". skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance "skillful drivers". expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill "expert in the evaluation of wines".