savant
|sa-vant|
🇺🇸
/səˈvɑːnt/
🇬🇧
/ˈsæv.ənt/
learned person
Etymology
'savant' originates from French, specifically the word 'savant,' where 'savoir' meant 'to know.'
'savant' changed from the Old French word 'savant' and eventually became the modern English word 'savant'.
Initially, it meant 'a learned person,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a learned person, especially a distinguished scientist.
The conference was attended by many savants from around the world.
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Noun 2
a person affected with a developmental disorder who exhibits exceptional skill or brilliance in some limited field (often referred to as 'savant syndrome').
Despite his challenges, he is a musical savant, able to play any piece by ear.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42