artful

/ˈɑːɹt.fəl/

Group 34Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Clever or skillful, typically in a crafty or cunning way
GRE

Example in Context

The diplomat's artful handling of the dispute allowed both sides to claim victory, defusing a situation that had seemed intractable.

Etymology

Full of skill, often in a crafty manner.

  • art- (Latin) — skill
  • ful (Old English) — full of

Memory Aid

🎨Sounds like “artful

An ARTIST skillfully painting a masterpiece while secretly plotting a heist — so ART-FULL of tricks!

Visual Association

🕵️‍♂️A sly fox painting a beautiful landscape while sneaking away with a chicken.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “artful” mean on the GRE?

artful (adjective) means “Clever or skillful, typically in a crafty or cunning way”. The diplomat's artful handling of the dispute allowed both sides to claim victory, defusing a situation that had seemed intractable.

How to remember “artful” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “artful” sounds like “artful”. An ARTIST skillfully painting a masterpiece while secretly plotting a heist — so ART-FULL of tricks!