savant
UK: ˈsæv.ənt | US: sæˈvɑːnt
n. a person of profound or extensive learning; an eminent scholar.
n. (in context) a person with exceptional skill or knowledge in a specific field, often despite limited abilities in other areas (e.g., savant syndrome).
savant = sav<know> + ant<noun suffix>
- sav<know>: From Old French savoir ("to know"), derived from Latin sapere ("to be wise").
- ant<noun suffix>: A suffix forming agent nouns (e.g., "participant"), from Latin -antem.
Etymology Origin:
The word savant entered English in the 18th century from French, where it originally meant "a learned person." Its Latin root sapere ("to be wise") also gives us sage and sapient. Over time, savant narrowed to emphasize exceptional expertise, often in niche fields. The modern association with savant syndrome (exceptional abilities alongside developmental challenges) emerged in the 20th century.
The conference featured talks by renowned savants in quantum physics.
Despite his autism, he is a musical savant with perfect pitch.
Medieval savants preserved ancient texts during Europe's intellectual decline.
Her reputation as a culinary savant drew students worldwide.
The child prodigy was hailed as a math savant by age seven.