Definition
Polymath refers to a person who is knowledgeable in multiple fields of study and has expertise in diverse areas of knowledge. A polymath is often described as a “Renaissance person” due to their broad range of interests and abilities.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Renaissance person, multipotentialite, jack-of-all-trades, versatile, learned, erudite, knowledgeable
Antonyms
Specialist, expert, focused, narrow-minded
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | polymaths, polymath |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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Leonardo da Vinci was a true polymath, excelling in the fields of art, science, engineering, and mathematics.
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Marie Curie was a polymath who made groundbreaking contributions to the fields of physics, chemistry, and medicine.
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Benjamin Franklin was a polymath who was accomplished in numerous fields, including science, politics, and writing.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda is a modern-day polymath, known for his talents in writing, music, acting, and producing.
Usage
The word “polymath” is derived from the Greek words “poly,” meaning “many,” and “mathēma,” meaning “knowledge.” A polymath is someone who possesses a broad range of knowledge and expertise in multiple fields of study. They are often characterized by their ability to think creatively and make connections between different areas of knowledge.
Polymaths have existed throughout history, with many famous examples from various fields, including science, art, philosophy, and literature. Some polymaths are known for their contributions to multiple fields, while others are known for their ability to bring together seemingly disparate areas of knowledge to create something new.
The word “polymath” is often used as a term of admiration, as it implies a level of intellectual curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. However, it can also be used to describe someone who is unfocused or scattered, with a tendency to spread themselves too thin across multiple areas of interest.
Prefixes and suffixes can be added to the word “polymath” to create related words. For example, “polymathic” is an adjective that describes someone or something that is characteristic of a polymath, while “polymathy” is a noun that refers to the quality of being a polymath.
Overall, the word “polymath” celebrates the value of interdisciplinary thinking and the pursuit of knowledge across multiple fields. It reminds us that the boundaries between different areas of knowledge are often artificial and that true innovation can come from exploring the connections between them.