master-v; 2 Senses

Sense Number 1: become skilled at or understand thoroughly

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP1[agent] MASTER NP2[topic]
NOTE: NP2 in this sense is NOT AFFECTED by NP1's domination of NP2.

Examples:
The tech giant has mastered the art of acquisitions.
Have you mastered the essentials of e-mail security?
He has mastered the language of love.
She finally mastered Chinese after years of study.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: Education_teaching
PropBank: master.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 4

Sense Number 2: become master of, overcome, dominate

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP1[agent] MASTER NP2[patient]
NOTE: NP2 in this sense IS AFFECTED by NP1's domination of NP2, if only in a metaphorical sense.

Examples:
They mastered the Germans and repulsed their Pierce counterattacks.
I believe her mare has mastered her.
Read how one woman successfully mastered her addiction.
With that realization, fatigue mastered him.
You must master your fate!

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: master.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 3