Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Savants Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿง 
Add to dictionary

savants

[sษ™หˆvษ‘หnt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

exceptional ability

A savant is a person who demonstrates profound and prodigious capacities or abilities, often in a specific area such as music, art, calculation, or memory, despite having a developmental condition or disability. Savants are frequently associated with autism spectrum disorders but can occur in individuals without such diagnoses.

Synonyms

genius, prodigy, whiz.

Examples of usage

  • The talented pianist was considered a savant in the world of classical music.
  • Many savants can perform complex mathematical calculations in their heads.
  • His ability to memorize vast amounts of information made him a savant in historical facts.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Savants are often discussed in relation to autism, where some individuals display remarkable abilities despite having challenges in other areas.
  • This phenomenon, where specific skills are pronounced, is known as 'savant syndrome'.
  • Famous savants, such as Kim Peek, who inspired the character in the movie 'Rain Man', demonstrate extraordinary memorization skills.

Pop Culture

  • The portrayal of savants in films like 'Rain Man' has shaped public perception, blending fantasy with real-life traits.
  • In literature, savants often represent the conflict between great talent and social challenges, showcasing the complexity of human ability.
  • TV shows occasionally depict characters with savant traits, bringing attention to different skills and the experiences of neurodiverse individuals.

Science

  • Studies show that savants often excel in fields like music, mathematics, and visual arts, utilizing unique neurological wiring.
  • Research into the brains of savants has revealed differences in brain structure and function, particularly in the areas related to memory and perception.
  • Neuroscientists explore how savants process information differently, leading to their impressive abilities.

History

  • Historical figures like Mozart exhibited savant-like traits with an innate ability for music at a very young age.
  • Before the term 'savant' was widely used, individuals displaying similar skills were often termed 'prodigies' or 'wonders'.
  • The recognition of savants and their abilities has evolved over time, reflecting changes in our understanding of intelligence and neurodevelopment.

Origin of 'savants'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'savant' comes from the French verb 'savoir', which means 'to know'.
  • It was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe someone with specialized knowledge.
  • In the context of psychology, it was adopted to describe individuals with extraordinary abilities.

The word 'savant' comes from the French term 'savant', meaning 'one who knows' or 'learned'. It is derived from the Latin verb 'sapere', which means 'to be wise'. The term was first introduced into English in the early 19th century, specifically in the context of individuals who exhibited exceptional abilities in specific areas despite facing cognitive or developmental challenges. Historically, the concept of a savant has been particularly noted in relation to autism, where individuals may demonstrate extraordinary talents alongside intellectual disabilities. The study of savants has also spurred further research into the nature of intelligence and the human brain's capacity for specialization.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,131, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.