Meaning & Definition of word "Savant"

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    Savant

    /səˈvænt/

    noun:

    • 1. A person who is exceptionally knowledgeable in a particular field.
      • Example: The medical savant was able to diagnose rare diseases with astonishing accuracy.
    • 2. A learned person, especially a distinguished scientist or scholar.
      • Example: As a savant in physics, his contributions to theoretical research have been groundbreaking.
    • 3. A person with profound or extensive knowledge, often in a specialized area, who may also have a mental disability.
      • Example: Despite his challenges, he was a musical savant, composing symphonies that captivated audiences.

    Etymology

    French, from the verb 'savoir' meaning 'to know'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    savant syndrome:

    A condition in which a person with a developmental disability demonstrates profound expertise in a particular area.

    savant vocabulary:

    A specialized or advanced level of language used by experts in a specific field.

    Related Words

    prodigy:

    A young person with exceptional qualities or abilities.

    intellect:

    The faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively.

    maestro:

    A distinguished conductor or teacher of music.

    Slang Meanings of savant

    Meaning: A term used to refer to someone who is exceptionally talented in a niche area.

    Example Sentence: He's a coding savant; he can write complex algorithms without any help.

    Meaning: Used informally to describe someone who seems to know a lot about a specific subject.

    Example Sentence: She's a history savant; you can ask her anything about ancient civilizations.