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Savant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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savant

[หˆsรฆvษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

intelligence

A savant is a person who has exceptional intellectual abilities or skills in a specific area, such as mathematics, music, art, or memory. Savants often have an extraordinary memory and can excel in their specialized field despite having limitations in other areas.

Synonyms

genius, mastermind, prodigy, virtuoso.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
savant

Use this word to describe someone with profound knowledge or ability in a specific field, often with an implication that they have a developmental condition that accompanies their extraordinary talent.

  • He is a savant when it comes to solving complex mathematical equations
genius

This word is appropriate for someone with exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability. It can be used broadly across various fields.

  • Albert Einstein is widely considered a genius for his contributions to physics
prodigy

Best used to refer to a young person with exceptional talent or ability in a particular area. This term emphasizes youth and rare aptitude.

  • The 10-year-old chess prodigy defeated players twice his age
mastermind

This term is often used to describe a person who is exceptionally intelligent and also planned or organized something complex or difficult, sometimes with a connotation of being behind a scheme or a grand plan.

  • She was the mastermind behind the successful corporate merger
virtuoso

Describing someone with exceptional skill in a particular artistic field, especially music or performance arts.

  • The violinist was a true virtuoso, captivating the audience with every performance

Examples of usage

  • The savant could solve complex mathematical equations in seconds.
  • She is considered a savant in the world of classical music.
  • The autistic savant amazed everyone with his artistic talents.
  • Despite his savant abilities in chess, he struggled with social interactions.
  • The savant's photographic memory was truly remarkable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Research in psychology has shown that savants often excel in areas like music, art, calculation, or memory.
  • Famous savants like Kim Peek, known for his extraordinary memory, demonstrated capabilities beyond what most can achieve.
  • Studies suggest that the brains of savants may function differently, highlighting unique pathways that enhance specific skills.

Pop Culture

  • The character Raymond Babbitt in the movie 'Rain Man' is a well-known fictional representation of a savant.
  • Various documentaries focus on real-life savants, showcasing their extraordinary skills and unique challenges.
  • TV shows often depict savants as characters with a mix of genius and social difficulty, appealing to audiences' fascination.

Literature

  • Literary depictions of savants often explore themes of isolation, brilliance, and complexity in human abilities.
  • In the book 'A Beautiful Mind', John Nash's genius along with personal struggles reflects aspects of savant-like characteristics.
  • The concept of the savant has inspired numerous novels, portraying the dichotomy between genius and social awkwardness.

Psychology

  • Many savants are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, which can be linked to their specialized skills.
  • The savant phenomenon raises questions about the nature of intelligence and the potential hidden within diverse minds.
  • Cognitive studies on savants show how focused neurodevelopment can lead to extraordinary capabilities in specific areas.

Origin of 'savant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French term 'savant' meaning 'knowing' or 'wise'.
  • Originally, it was used to refer to scholars or those highly educated.
  • The term has evolved to describe individuals with remarkable abilities, particularly in certain fields.

The word 'savant' comes from the French word 'savant', which means 'learned' or 'knowledgeable'. It was first used in English in the late 18th century to refer to a person of profound or extensive learning. Over time, the term has evolved to specifically describe individuals with exceptional skills or talents in certain areas, often associated with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or savant syndrome.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,095, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.