How Do You Spell SAVANT?

Pronunciation: [sˈavənt] (IPA)

Savant is a word of French origin that refers to a person with profound intellectual disability but exceptional talent in a particular field. It is spelled /səˈvɑːnt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The emphasis is on the second syllable, and the final "t" is pronounced. "Savant" is often mispronounced as /sævənt/ or /səˈvænt/, which is incorrect. The correct pronunciation of "savant" acknowledges the French origin of the word, and is important in accurately conveying its meaning.

SAVANT Meaning and Definition

  1. Savant refers to an individual who possesses exceptional and prodigious skills or knowledge in a particular field or fields, often displaying an extraordinary aptitude that surpasses what is considered typical. The term originates from the French word "savoir," meaning "to know," and denotes one who possesses remarkable expertise or genius in a specific domain.

    A savant is characterized by their astonishing ability to acquire, retain, and utilize information, whether it be in mathematics, music, art, memory, or other specialized areas. This exceptional competence is often found alongside developmental disabilities or neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder or Savant Syndrome. These individuals showcase astonishing capabilities, particularly in areas such as numerical calculations, pattern recognition, language acquisition, or musical composition, which surpass the abilities of most individuals.

    It is important to note that savant abilities often coexist with various cognitive or social impairments. Despite these challenges, savants exhibit unusually high levels of expertise, often manifesting as intense focus, exceptional memory recall, and rapid skill acquisition. Their unique talents and specialized knowledge offer insight into the extraordinary potential of the human brain and challenge conventional notions of intelligence.

    Savants can contribute significantly to society, providing innovative perspectives and pushing the boundaries of human achievements. The study of savant abilities aids researchers in understanding the intricacies of cognitive development and uncovering untapped human potential in exceptional domains.

  2. A man of learning.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SAVANT *

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Other Common Misspellings for SAVANT

Etymology of SAVANT

The word "savant" comes from the French word "savant", which is the present participle of the verb "savoir", meaning "to know". It entered the English language in the 18th century and was initially used to refer to a person of great learning or knowledge. The term was later narrowed down to refer specifically to individuals who possess exceptional intellectual or artistic abilities, often in a specific domain, but who may also have certain cognitive or developmental disabilities.

Similar spelling words for SAVANT

Plural form of SAVANT is SAVANTS