WordGarden.ioambidextrous
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌæmbɪdˈɛkstrəs/
US
- /ˌæmbəˈdɛkstrəs/
Meanings
Adjective
able to use both hands equally well
designed or usable for either hand
Beyond the definition
Imagine trying to write with your non-dominant hand – it feels awkward, right? Well, someone who is ambidextrous doesn't seem to have a non-dominant hand! They can perform tasks just as skillfully with their left as they can with their right. It's like having two right (or left!) hands.
The word comes from Latin: "ambi" meaning both and "dexter" meaning right (or right-handed). While relatively rare, ambidexterity is often seen as a useful skill – think of a baseball player who can switch-hit or an artist who can draw equally well with either hand. It's not just about hands, though; some people are even ambidextrous with their feet!
Ambidextrous describes the ability to use both your left and right hands equally skillfully for tasks like writing, throwing a ball, or playing an instrument. Unlike most people who have a dominant hand (the one they naturally prefer), ambidextrous individuals don't show a strong preference – they can perform actions with either hand with similar ease and precision.
The term originates from Latin: "ambi" meaning both, and "dexter" meaning right (or right-handed). Historically, being ambidextrous was sometimes viewed with suspicion or even considered unnatural, but today it's generally seen as a fascinating and advantageous trait.
While true ambidexterity is relatively uncommon, many people are cross-dominant, meaning they favor one hand for some tasks and the other for others. Ambidextrous individuals aren't necessarily better at everything, but their versatility can be beneficial in various fields – from sports and surgery to art and music.
Interestingly, ambidexterity isn't limited to hands! You can also be "ambipedal," meaning you use both feet equally well for kicking or balancing. So, whether it's a skilled artist switching between hands seamlessly or an athlete excelling with either foot, ambidextrous ability represents a remarkable level of coordination and adaptability.
Examples
- 1
Handwriting
After months of practice, she became almost ambidextrous and could write with either hand.
- 2
Sports
The coach values ambidextrous players because they can pass or shoot from either side.
- 3
Dentistry
As a dentist, he has to be ambidextrous when he works in small, awkward spaces.
- 4
Thinking style
The job suits someone who is intellectually ambidextrous and can balance creative ideas with careful analysis.
- Phraseintellectually ambidextrous
able to think well in two different ways
See also
Similar
- able to use either hand
- equally skilled with both hands
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- right-handed
- left-handed
Used with (collocations)
- ambidextrous player
- ambidextrous surgeon
Word family
- ambidexterity
Explore
- handedness
- mixed-handedness
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ambidextrousadjective