prestidigitator
/,presti'didʤiteitə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A performer of magic tricks: A person who entertains an audience by executing sleight of hand and other illusions designed to create a sense of wonder and amusement.
Usage
- The word "prestidigitator" is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned term for a magician or conjurer. It specifically emphasizes skill and dexterity of the hands. It is used to describe a professional entertainer.
Examples
- Noun:
- The skilled prestidigitator made the coin vanish before our eyes.
- She trained for years to become a master prestidigitator.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is exceptionally deft or deceptive in their actions, though this is a less common literary usage.
- The lawyer was a prestidigitator with words, skillfully redirecting the jury's attention.
Variants and Related Words
- Prestidigitation (n): The art or performance of magic tricks; sleight of hand.
- His prestidigitation was so flawless it baffled everyone.
- Conjurer/Conjuror (n): A person who performs magic tricks; often used interchangeably with magician.
- Illusionist (n): A performer of magic, especially one who creates large-scale illusions.
Synonyms
- Magician: The most common general term.
- Conjurer: Often implies a traditional or theatrical performer.
- Illusionist: Suggests a focus on large-scale tricks and stage illusions.
- Sleight-of-hand artist: Specifically highlights manual dexterity.
Related Phrases
- Sleight of hand: The manual skill and dexterity used by a prestidigitator to perform tricks.
- The trick relied entirely on his sleight of hand.
Noun
- someone who performs magic tricks to amuse an audience