skill

Everyday

1. A skill is something you can do well because you have learned and practised it. tree →
2. Skill is the ability to do something well. tree →

In the lessons

In school, «skills» are things like reading, writing, counting, problem-solving and teamwork; practice builds skills. In sport, skills include dribbling, catching and swimming. In safety, life skills like crossing the road, swimming and first aid keep you safe. In everyday life people have skills like cooking, drawing or fixing bikes. In stories a hero uses special skills to save the day.

Examples

• Reading is an important skill. tree →
• She showed great skill on the football pitch. tree →
• Swimming is a life skill everyone should learn. tree →
• Practice will improve your skills. tree →
• It takes skill to juggle three balls. tree →
• We learned first aid skills at school. tree →
• Chess needs patience and skill. tree →
• He showed so much skill that his grandfather was de-light-ed. tree →

Note

Countable (a skill, skills) for particular abilities; uncountable (skill) for ability in general. Adjectives: «skilled» (has skills), «skilful» (UK) / «skillful» (US). Skills are learned, not born; talent may make learning easier.

In Jewish tradition

In the Tanakh skill is ability to do something well, such as fighting in war, serving in the Temple, or making fine things. In Daniel, God gives Daniel and his friends skill in all learning and wisdom.

Interpretation. The tradition teaches that skill and wisdom are gifts from God, as with the Levites who served in the Temple and Daniel and his friends.

Examples

• and divide the prey into two parts: between the men skilled in war, that went out to battle, and all the congregation; (Torah NUM.31.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Hezekiah spoke encouragingly unto all the Levites that were well skilled in the service of the LORD. (Writings 2CH.30.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• The roundings of thy thighs are like the links of a chain, the work of the hands of a skilled workman. (Writings SNG.7.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. (Writings DAN.1.17, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable (a skill, skills) for particular abilities; uncountable (skill) for ability in general. Adjectives: «skilled» (has skills), «skilful» (UK) / «skillful» (US). Skills are learned, not born; talent may make learning easier.