Adept

/əˈdept/ adjective

Definition

Very skilled and experienced at doing something; an expert who has practiced and mastered a particular skill.

Etymology

From Latin 'adeptus' (achieved, obtained), from 'adipisci' (to reach, obtain). The word originally meant 'one who has attained' knowledge or skill. Alchemists called themselves 'adepts' because they claimed to have reached mystical understanding.

Kelly Says

Alchemists invented the term 'adept' to describe their inner circle—supposedly people who had 'reached' secret knowledge of turning lead into gold. They were basically the first exclusive clubs claiming special expertise! The word stuck even though their chemistry was hilariously wrong.

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