Talents Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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talents

[หˆtรฆlษ™nts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

skills

Natural aptitudes or skills that a person possesses, often leading to success in a particular area. Talents can range from artistic abilities to athletic prowess.

Synonyms

abilities, gifts, skills.

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Word Description / Examples
talents

Talents are natural aptitudes or inner abilities that people are born with. It often implies an inherent ability to excel in particular areas without extensive training. This word is used in both casual and formal contexts when discussing someone's natural strengths.

  • She has a talent for singing.
  • His talent for painting was evident from a young age.
skills

Skills are specific learned activities. They involve practical expertise, usually honed through practice and experience. This term is often used in professional or educational settings to discuss job-related competencies.

  • He has excellent communication skills.
  • She developed her cooking skills over many years.
gifts

Gifts, in this context, are special abilities or talents that are seen as being given to someone, often with a connotation of ease or extraordinary capability. This term can carry a slightly more mystical or exceptional quality and is frequently used to denote exceptional talent.

  • She has a gift for making people feel at ease.
  • His gift for storytelling captivated the audience.
abilities

Abilities refer to the power or capacity to do something, typically suggesting a broader range of competencies and aptitudes. It is often used in both formal and informal settings to describe general capabilities.

  • She has the ability to solve complex mathematical problems.
  • His abilities as a musician are impressive.

Examples of usage

  • She has a talent for playing the piano.
  • His talent for public speaking helped him excel in his career.
  • The young girl's artistic talent was evident from a very young age.
Context #2 | Noun

entertainment

Special skills or abilities showcased by performers in various forms of entertainment, such as music, dance, or acting. Talents in this context refer to the unique abilities that set individuals apart in their respective fields.

Synonyms

artists, entertainers, performers.

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Word Description / Examples
talents

Use 'talents' to describe a person's natural abilities or skills, often in a general sense.

  • She has many talents, including playing the piano and painting
  • The company is always on the lookout for fresh talents
performers

Describes individuals who present their art or skills live in front of an audience, typically in music, dance, theater, or circus. The focus is on the act of performing.

  • The festival features street performers from all over the world
  • Each performer gave their all on stage during the competition
artists

Utilize 'artists' when referring to individuals engaged in fine arts, such as painting, sculpting, drawing, or other visual arts. It can also refer to those involved in creative arts like music and literature.

  • The gallery is showcasing contemporary artists this month
  • The city is known for its community of talented artists
entertainers

This refers to people who perform or create content with the primary goal of amusing or entertaining an audience. Includes actors, comedians, and TV personalities.

  • Las Vegas is famous for its array of world-class entertainers
  • She works as an entertainer on a cruise ship

Examples of usage

  • The talent show featured a diverse range of performers.
  • He displayed his talent for comedy in his stand-up routine.
  • They were impressed by the young actress's talent on stage.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'talent' comes from the Latin 'talentum', which was a unit of weight and later a sum of money in ancient times, symbolizing worth.
  • In the Bible, a 'talent' refers to a large sum of money, which evolved into the idea of using one's abilities wisely.
  • In ancient Greece, talents were measured not only in weight but also in terms of valued skills, linking the concept of worth to abilities.

Psychology

  • People are more likely to excel in areas they have a natural affinity for, as demonstrated by findings in multiple intelligence theories.
  • Identifying one's talents early can enhance self-esteem and lead to more opportunities for personal development.
  • Studies suggest that recognizing and nurturing a person's unique talents can significantly impact their career success and satisfaction.

Pop Culture

  • Talent shows like 'American Idol' and 'The Voice' celebrate and showcase a variety of talents, giving participants a platform to shine.
  • Many successful musicians, actors, and athletes credit their early talents as crucial to their careers in entertainment or sports.
  • The phrase 'born talent' often refers to individuals who seemed to have an innate ability from an early age, making their success appear effortless.

Education

  • Schools increasingly focus on identifying and developing students' talents, integrating arts and sports into the curriculum.
  • Talents can be enhanced through practice and education, demonstrating that while some may be natural, anyone can improve with effort.
  • Gifted education programs are designed specifically to nurture students' talents, catering to diverse skills beyond standard academics.

Literature

  • Talents are often central themes in literature, where characters may struggle to discover or harness their unique abilities.
  • Many famous literary works explore the tension between personal talents and societal expectations, showcasing the struggles of gifted individuals.
  • Authors have often used 'hidden talents' as a plot device, where characters surprise themselves and others with undiscovered abilities.

Origin of 'talents'

The word 'talents' originated from Latin 'talentum', which was a unit of weight or money in ancient Greece. Over time, the meaning evolved to include natural abilities or skills. In the Bible, a 'talent' was a large sum of money, and the parable of the talents highlighted the importance of using one's abilities wisely. Today, 'talents' can refer to a wide range of skills and aptitudes that individuals possess.


See also: talent, talented.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,897 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.