Talent: meaning, definitions and examples

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talent

[ˈtælənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

skill

Natural aptitude or skill.

Synonyms

ability, aptitude, gift, skill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
talent	Often used to describe a natural ability that someone is born with, especially in creative fields such as music, art, or sports. She has a natural talent for singing. His talent in painting was evident from a young age.
skill	Describes an ability that is acquired and developed through practice and training, rather than something innate. Programming is a skill that can be learned with dedication. Her cooking skills have improved with experience and practice.
ability	General term for having the power or capacity to do something, often used in a neutral or formal context. She has the ability to solve complex mathematical problems. His ability to lead a team is impressive.
gift	Emphasizes a special, often natural, ability or skill, usually implying that it is exceptional and sometimes perceived as almost supernatural. She has a gift for making people feel at ease. His gift for storytelling captivates audiences.
aptitude	Refers to a natural inclination or tendency to perform a specific kind of work, often used in educational or career-related contexts. He showed an aptitude for learning languages. Her aptitude in science was noticed by her teachers.

Examples of usage

He has a talent for playing the piano.
She discovered her talent for painting at a young age.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

entertainment

A person or group of people with a special ability to entertain others.

Synonyms

artist, entertainer, performer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
talent	This word was previously explained and should not be duplicated in the list. It has the same meaning as the first entry.
performer	General term for anyone who performs in front of an audience, including actors, musicians, dancers, and other live performers. It focuses on the act of performing, regardless of the specific type. The performer received a standing ovation for her monologue. He is a versatile performer, skilled in both acting and singing.
entertainer	Implies someone whose primary role is to entertain others, typically through performances such as singing, dancing, comedy, or acting. It emphasizes the aspect of entertaining an audience. The entertainer captivated the audience with his magic tricks. She’s a talented entertainer who can sing and dance.
artist	Refers specifically to someone who creates art, such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, or other visual media. It can also extend to those involved in performing arts like music or theater, but the primary association is with visual arts. The artist spent months perfecting the sculpture. She is a renowned artist known for her abstract paintings.

Examples of usage

The circus performers showcased their talents in acrobatics and juggling.
The talent show featured a diverse range of performers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'talent' comes from the Latin 'talentum,' which means a balance or weight, reflecting the concept of a valuable ability.
In ancient Greece, a talent was a unit of currency, signifying that people valued skills highly, just like money.
Originally, 'talent' referred to a large amount of precious metal, highlighting its worth and importance.

Psychology

Psychologists believe that talent is influenced by both innate qualities and practice, suggesting that anyone can improve their abilities.
The '10,000-hour rule' posits that to master a talent, one needs to spend roughly 10,000 hours practicing it.
Different types of intelligence, as suggested by Howard Gardner, include musical, spatial, and interpersonal talents, showing variety in human capabilities.

Pop Culture

Talent shows like 'American Idol' and 'The Voice' showcase individuals' remarkable skills, transforming everyday people into stars.
Many musicians and artists today were discovered on platforms like YouTube, emphasizing how talent can shine regardless of traditional pathways.
The phrase 'hidden talent' refers to skills people may not even know they possess, often surprising friends and family.

Education

Many educational systems now emphasize discovering and nurturing students' talents to foster creativity and engagement.
Gifted programs aim to support children with exceptional abilities, allowing them to develop their talents through tailored learning experiences.
Motivational theories in education suggest that recognizing and encouraging individual talents can lead to greater student success and satisfaction.

Art and Literature

Throughout history, many brilliant artists, like Michelangelo and Shakespeare, are celebrated for their incredible talents, leaving a lasting impact on culture.
In literature, themes of talent often explore the struggles and triumphs of characters trying to achieve their dreams or overcome adversity.
Films frequently highlight talent as a central theme, often portraying the journey from obscurity to fame, showcasing the importance of perseverance.

Translations

Translations of the word "talent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 talento

🇮🇳 प्रतिभा

🇩🇪 Talent

🇮🇩 bakat

🇺🇦 талант

🇵🇱 talent

🇯🇵 才能 (さいのう)

🇫🇷 talent

🇪🇸 talento

🇹🇷 yeteneği

🇰🇷 재능 (jaeneung)

🇸🇦 موهبة

🇨🇿 talent

🇸🇰 talent

🇨🇳 才能 (cáinéng)

🇸🇮 talent

🇮🇸 hæfileiki

🇰🇿 қабілет

🇬🇪 ნიჭი (nichi)

🇦🇿 istedad

🇲🇽 talento

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,627, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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