mastery

Great skill or complete knowledge in a subject or activity.

• His mastery of the piano impressed us.
• Mastery takes years of practice.
• She demonstrated complete mastery of the subject.

How to use it: mastery of something (Her mastery of several languages helped her find work.)

Similar words: expertise, proficiency, command

Opposites: incompetence

Common phrases: mastery of something, complete mastery, achieve mastery

Power or authority over someone or something.

• The rivals struggled for mastery.
• The fleet gained mastery of the sea.
• His victory established mastery over the region.

How to use it: mastery over someone/something (The ruler sought mastery over the neighboring kingdoms.)

Similar words: control, dominion, supremacy, command

Opposites: subordination

Common phrases: mastery over something, mastery of something, struggle for mastery