The word "skills" refers to the abilities or expertise that a person possesses to perform tasks or activities effectively. These can be developed through practice, experience, and education. Skills can be practical, like cooking or driving, or can relate to intellectual capacities, like critical thinking or problem-solving.
The word "skill" comes from the Old Norse word "skil," which means "to discern" or "to separate," and the Middle English "skil," meaning "cause" or "manner." Over time, it evolved to denote particular abilities acquired through training or experience.