ambidextrous

UK/.æmbi'dekstrәs/US

GREC2

Definitions

adj.

Able to use both hands equally well

两手同样灵巧的，左右手都能用的

adj.

Versatile; skilled at doing two or more things

多才多艺的；两面都拿手的

Root Breakdown

Root-derived

ambi-both, around

dextrright (direction), skillful

-ousfull of, having the quality of

=ambidextrous

ambi- (both) + dexter (right hand) + -ous (adj.) = "having two right hands." Because the right hand was the skilled one, being equally good with both hands is imagined as having a skilled right hand on each side.

Root dexter still carries 3 more words

Common Collocations

1.ambidextrous player两手灵巧的运动员
2.truly ambidextrous真正两手灵巧的

Example Sentences

1.
Being ambidextrous, she can write with either hand.
2.
The ambidextrous boxer could punch hard from both sides.

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