Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - proficient

 adjective  Etymology: Latin ~-, proficiens, present participle of proficere to go forward, accomplish, from pro- forward + facere to make — more at pro-, do  Date: circa 1590 well advanced in an art, occupation, or branch of knowledge  • ~ noun  • ~ly adverb Synonyms:  ~, adept, skilled, skillful, expert mean having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession. ~ implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice ~ in translating foreign languages. adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency adept at doing long division. skilled stresses mastery of technique a skilled surgeon. skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance skillful drivers. expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill expert in the evaluation of wines.