Synonyms for ambidextrous


Grammar : Adj
Spell : am-bi-dek-struh s
Phonetic Transcription : ˌæm bɪˈdɛk strəs


Définition of ambidextrous

Origin :
  • 1640s, with -ous, from ambidexter (adj.) "double-dealing" (1610s), from French ambidextre or directly from Latin ambidexter, literally "right-handed on both sides," from ambi- "both" (see ambi-) + dexter "right-handed" (see dexterity). Its opposite, ambilevous "left-handed on both sides, clumsy" (1640s) is rare. Ambidexter as a noun, "one who takes bribes from both sides," is attested from 1530s and is the earliest form of the word in English; its sense of "one who uses both hands equally well" appears by 1590s.
  • adj insincere
Example sentences :
  • It is thus by attempting to be ambidextrous, I try to ward off attacks.
  • Extract from : « Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 1 (of 3) » by Isaac D'Israeli
  • I should say he was ambidextrous, but he uses his left hand by preference.
  • Extract from : « The Red Thumb Mark » by R. Austin Freeman
  • A genius, and ambidextrous, he could write sonnets with one hand and compose operas with the other.
  • Extract from : « Edgar Saltus: The Man » by Marie Saltus
  • Inquiry should be made as to whether the patient is right or left handed, or ambidextrous.
  • Extract from : « Aids to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology » by W. G. Aitchison Robertson
  • For by nature the right hand is the stronger: but nevertheless it may happen that there are ambidextrous men.
  • Extract from : « Aristotle » by George Grote
  • A man who is ambidextrous will sign his name differently with his right or left hand, but it is the same signature.
  • Extract from : « Real Ghost Stories » by William T. Stead
  • I am sorry to see that Erasmus imitated his enemies and at times was ambidextrous in the use of the literary stinkpot.
  • Extract from : « Little Journeys To The Homes Of Great Teachers » by Elbert Hubbard
  • He is painting at a small easel and working in quite a wonderful manner, for he is ambidextrous.
  • Extract from : « Literary New York » by Charles Hemstreet
  • Fortunately he was ambidextrous, could use his left hand almost as readily as his right, and this helped him immensely.
  • Extract from : « Bert Wilson, Wireless Operator » by J. W. Duffield
  • It is rare that you meet a person who is ambidextrous,—that is, who uses both hands equally well.
  • Extract from : « The Daughter of the Chieftain » by Edward S. Ellis

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019