Ambidextrous

Able to use both hands equally well.

adjective

💡

Imagine This

Imagine a pianist performing a complex piece with both hands in perfect unison, each hand equally controlling the melody and rhythm.

🔊

Sounds Like

AM-bih-DEX-truhs

👀

Looks Like

ambi-dextrous (split into ambi- meaning both and dextrous meaning skilled with the hands)

📝

Remember This

Ambidextrous comes from Latin ambi- 'both' + dexter 'right-handed'; related to the word dexterity.

📚

Other Forms

ambidexteritynoun

ambidextrouslyadverb

ambidexternoun

🔗

Connect With

dexterity; bilateral; manual dexterity; versatility

📌

Note

Used to describe people or tools designed for use with both hands. Do not confuse with ambidexter (a person who can use both hands); the noun form related to the trait is ambidexterity.

🧠

Study Deeper

Examples

She is ambidextrous, able to write with either hand without looking.
The surgeon's ambidextrous technique made the operation quicker and safer.

Synonyms

dexterousskillfulversatiletwo-handedhandy

Antonyms

one-handedunskilledinept

Etymology

From Latin ambidexterus, formed from ambi- 'both' + dexter 'right-handed'; related to the noun 'dexterity'.

Mnemonic

Ambi- means both; dexterous means skilled with the hands. Remember: ambidextrous = both hands are dexterous.

How well do you know this word now?

Your choice schedules the next review.

Next Word

Continue in alphabetical order.

Ambiguous

Try a Random Word

Pick any word below to jump in.

Charlatan

noun

A person who pretends to have knowledge or skill they do not possess; a fraud or faker.

Spontaneous

adjective

Produced by a sudden inner impulse or without premeditation; happening naturally and unplanned; arising from within rather than being forced from without.