Are you fluent in the English language? Say what to choose, advice or advise? Affect or effect? It’s simple, right? The answers are, advice is a noun that is something you give someone. And ‘advise’ is a verb meaning to say you have given ‘advice’ to someone. You knew there is a hard difference but it was harder to explain, isn’t it? Well, English is such a funny language just like that. Sometimes you’ll know the correct pronunciation, grammar but you won’t even realize what the difference is. So, the topic is ‘Proficient Vs Efficient’.
The English language demands a lot when you are proficient in it. Oh! Proficient gives the other pair of words which gives headache. There are so many words in English that can confuse you forever. And as mentioned, one of those bitchy paired words is ‘proficient’ and ‘efficient’. Do you know what is the difference between proficient and efficient? Perhaps, it is one of the most muddled pairs of words.
Come on then, let’s dive into the meaning and difference between proficient and efficient. Today at least your confusion of these two words will get cleared. And with time try to learn the differences of other words as well, because it reflects your understanding of the language.
PROFICIENT
Proficient is an adjective-noun. Simply, meaning an expert. It indicates that a person is highly skilled in something. The word proficient originated from the Latin words pro- meaning ‘on behalf of’ and facere meaning ‘do make’. Above in the paragraph, it was said ‘The English language demands a lot when you are proficient in it’. Meaning you are proficient in English i.e you have mastered the language or you are good with it.
Mostly proficient is used regarding a task or skill where one can measure the level of ability. In British English it means, having great facility (in art or occupation) as an adjective and means an archaic word for expert as a noun. In American English it means, highly competent; skilled; adept as an adjective, and as a noun means an expert. And the derived forms of proficient are proficiency (noun) and proficiently (adverb).
Some of the synonyms of proficient are skilled, fluent, practiced, experienced, trained, etc.
Examples:
- He was a proficient writer.
- He became proficient in Latin and Greek.
- She is proficient in driving.
- With practice, you should become proficient within six months.
EFFICIENT
Efficient is an adjective that is a quantitative measure. Meaning-making good and thorough use of time or energy or resources in general. The efficient word originated from the Latin verb efficere that means see-effect.
Efficiency can be expressed as the proportion of consumed energy and not absorption of extra energy. In British English, efficient as an adjective means; to function or produce effectively with the least waste of effort. In philosophy, ‘efficient’ means causative. In American English, efficient as an adjective means; production a direct effect or result or production of the desired outcome. The derived adverb form of efficient is efficiently.
Can you recall the sentences you may have heard; public transport is an efficient way of traveling; the management is very efficient? These are some common uses of efficiency, we will discuss more examples to be clearer. The usage of efficient is for the measure of the quality of something. That can explain as the desired outcome or result is reached or can be achieved through it. Some synonyms of efficient are productive, organized, effective, orderly, coherent, logical, etc. And antonyms of effective are inefficient and disorganized.
Examples:
- The efficient cause is the working cause.
- Your bike is only 30% efficient.
- The sales are not economically efficient to sustain.
- Use a highly efficient light source.
CONCLUSION
Now, the idea must be clear with proficiency & efficient and their uses. The words; ‘proficient’ and ‘efficient’ are the adjectives that are widely apart. As we saw, the meanings vary in different directions. In certain situations, proficient and efficient can be used interchangeably, which creates confusion for many people. The chances for such anomalies to arise are slim and can only be used in able topics. In topics when concerning skilled and competence, efficiency can be used. And in topics like adept, able, and effective uses proficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is proficient and efficient?
Proficient and efficient are the two adjective words that have a great difference when used in a sentence. Proficient is the ability described as good, skilled, fluent, or practiced in context to a skill or job. And efficient is making good and careful use of resources.
2. How to use proficient in a sentence?
When you need to describe a high level of skill one can have then, use proficiency to describe them. Such as She is a proficient and graceful pianist. Or you need to be proficient in French for the job.