ambidexter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Rare/Low-Frequency)Formal, Literary, Historical, Technical
Quick answer
What does “ambidexter” mean?
A person who is able to use both hands with equal skill.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is able to use both hands with equal skill; literally, someone who is right-handed on both sides.
Figuratively, a person who is unusually versatile, skilled in two different areas, or who displays duplicity, especially in a legal or political context (historical).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both regions consider the word archaic or highly specialised.
Connotations
In both, the primary connotation is exceptional physical skill. The archaic connotation of duplicity is known only to specialists or readers of historical texts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, possibly slightly higher in UK historical/legal texts due to the influence of Latin and older common law terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “ambidexter” in a Sentence
[to be] an ambidexterknown as an ambidexterVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ambidexter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. The related concept is 'to ambidextrate', an obsolete verb.]
American English
- [No standard verb form.]
adverb
British English
- [The adverb is 'ambidextrously'.]
American English
- [The adverb is 'ambidextrously'.]
adjective
British English
- [The adjective is 'ambidextrous', not 'ambidexter'.]
American English
- [The adjective is 'ambidextrous', not 'ambidexter'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Might appear metaphorically in a leadership article: 'The CEO was an ambidexter, expertly managing both innovation and core operations.'
Academic
Used in historical studies, neurology, or sports science when discussing lateral dominance: 'The study examined cortical activity in a documented ambidexter.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. 'Ambidextrous' is the common term. One might say: 'He's not just left-handed; he's a true ambidexter.'
Technical
Used in medical/psychological literature on laterality. Also in historical legal texts referencing corrupt officials.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ambidexter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ambidexter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ambidexter”
- Using 'ambidexter' as an adjective (correct adjective is 'ambidextrous').
- Pronouncing it as /æmbiˈdekstər/ without the primary stress on 'dex'.
- Assuming it is a common, modern word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Ambidextrous' is the adjective. 'Ambidexter' is the rare noun form for a person who possesses that quality.
No. It is a C2-level, very low-frequency word. The adjective 'ambidextrous' is far more common. Use 'ambidexter' only in specific technical or literary contexts.
Yes, historically in English law and politics, it was a term for a double-dealer or someone who took money from both sides, deriving from the idea of being 'right-handed' in favouring either side for a bribe.
They are often confused due to the 'ambi-' prefix (meaning 'both'). 'Ambidexter' relates to physical skill with both hands. 'Ambivalent' describes having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.
A person who is able to use both hands with equal skill.
Ambidexter is usually formal, literary, historical, technical in register.
Ambidexter: in British English it is pronounced /ˌambɪˈdɛkstə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæmbɪˈdɛkstər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; the word itself is the focus]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AMBI' (both) + 'DEXTER' (right-handed, skilled) = 'skilled with both right hands'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL VERSATILITY IS MENTAL/STRATEGIC VERSATILITY (e.g., 'an ambidextrous mind'). DUAL SKILL IS DUAL-HANDEDNESS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary, modern meaning of 'ambidexter'?