Pronunciation: [sˈavənts] (IPA) 
Savants, meaning an individual with profound knowledge or skill in a particular subject, is spelled with the letters "S", "A", "V", "A", "N", and "T". The first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound ([sæ]), while the second syllable is pronounced with a long "a" sound ([veɪ]). The final consonant "t" is pronounced with a soft, unvoiced sound ([t]). The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /səˈvɑːnts/.
Savants, also known as savant syndrome or simply savantism, refer to individuals who possess extraordinary and exceptional talents or abilities in specific areas, often contrasting with their overall cognitive or intellectual limitations. These individuals showcase remarkable skills in various domains, such as memory, mathematics, music, art, or a particular subject matter, while often exhibiting deficits or challenges in other aspects of their intellectual development or social functioning.
Derived from the French word "savant" meaning "learned," individuals with savant syndrome display an exceptional ability that goes beyond what is considered normal or average. These abilities can manifest in a variety of ways, such as prodigious memory retention, rapid calculation skills, heightened sensory perception, or the ability to reproduce complex patterns or pieces of art with great accuracy.
Savantism is considered a rare phenomenon, estimated to occur in approximately 10% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities. The exact cause of savant syndrome remains uncertain, but it is believed to stem from a unique brain structure or functioning, potentially involving distinct neural connections or compensatory mechanisms.
While savants may possess extraordinary talents, they often struggle with various social and practical skills, such as communication, flexibility, or adaptive behavior. The occurrence of savant syndrome has fascinated researchers, neurologists, and psychologists alike, leading to extensive investigation into the underlying mechanisms and potential applications for understanding brain function and development.
The learned; the literati.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "savant" is derived from the French word "savant", which is the present participle of the verb "savoir", meaning "to know". In French, "savant" is used to refer to a learned or knowledgeable person. The term was first used in English in the 18th century to describe individuals who possessed exceptional knowledge and expertise in certain areas. Over time, it came to specifically denote individuals with profound intellectual or mental abilities, especially in specific fields such as mathematics, music, or art.
