H. P. Lovecraft

An excellent habit to cultivate is the analytical study of the King James Bible. For simple yet rich and forceful English, this masterly production is hard to equal; and even though its Saxon vocabulary and poetic rhythm be unsuited to general composition, it is an invaluable model for writers on quaint or imaginative themes.

American Novelist

Norman Vincent Peale

Part of the happiness of life consists not in fighting battles, but in avoiding them. A masterly retreat is in itself a victory.

American Clergyman

Esa-Pekka Salonen

Stravinsky is masterly: his harmony is conceived so precisely that it can only be the way it is.

Finnish Musician

Ron Chernow

I was quite bowled over by Isabel Wilkerson's masterly saga, 'The Warmth of Other Suns.

American Author

Clifton Fadiman

Gertrude Stein was masterly in making nothing happen very slowly.

American Writer

Use 'masterly' to praise artistic skills that evoke admiration and are strikingly impressive.

Artistic Impressiveness

'Masterly' implies a high level of ability, well beyond that of a beginner or intermediate practitioner.

Not for Beginners

Use 'masterly' when someone's skill may not be flashy, but is powerful due to subtlety and precision.

Subtle Mastery

Use 'masterly' in a professional setting to describe someone's exceptional competence in their field.

Professional Contexts

'Masterly' can be used to describe someone performing skillfully even under difficult circumstances.

Under Pressure Performance

Use 'masterly' to acknowledge that someone has reached a level of expertise, usually through experience.