polymath
POL-ee-math
/ˈpɒlimæθ/
A person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning.
Refers to someone who excels in many different, often unrelated fields (e.g., science, art, and philosophy).
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'polymathēs' (having learned much). The root 'math' is the same as in 'mathematics', which originally meant 'things learned'.
Word relationships
- Renaissance man: A Renaissance man is a common idiom for a polymath, though polymath is the more formal term.
- intellectual: An intellectual is someone who enjoys deep thought; a polymath is specifically someone with knowledge in many fields.
- specialist: A person who concentrates on one specific subject or area.
Commonly confused with
- polyglot: A polyglot knows many languages; a polymath knows many subjects.
Word family
- polymathic (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a polymath.
Collocations
- Renaissance polymath
- true polymath
- polymathic interests
Example sentences
- "Leonardo da Vinci was the ultimate polymath, excelling in painting, anatomy, engineering, and botany." Describing Leonardo da Vinci.
- "In today's world of hyper-specialization, the true polymath is a rare and valuable find." Modern usage.
Memory hook
Poly (many) + Math (subjects). Someone who is good at many subjects, not just math. Master of many.
When not to use
Don't use it for someone who is just an expert in one thing. A polymath must have 'many' areas of expertise.
Fun facts
- Benjamin Franklin is often cited as a great American polymath for his work as a writer, scientist, inventor, and diplomat.
Related words
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