expert
expert
Pronunciation
expert
IPA: /ˈɛk.spɜːrt/
Syllable Breakdown:
ex-: /ɛk/
-pert: /spɜːrt/
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: expert
Plural Noun: experts
Adjective: expert
Adverb: expertly (derived from the adjective)
Verb: expert (less common, but can be used as in "to expert in a field")
Noun (derived): expertise
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A person possessing a high degree of knowledge, skill, or experience in a particular field, often acquired through extensive study, practice, or training.
Synonyms: specialist, master, authority, virtuoso, connoisseur, professional, maven
Antonyms: novice, amateur, beginner, layman, tyro, neophyte
Adjective
Definition 1: Having or showing a high level of skill, knowledge, or training in a particular area.
Synonyms: skilled, proficient, knowledgeable, masterful, adept, accomplished, professional
Antonyms: unskilled, inept, amateurish, inexperienced, incompetent
Verb (less common, transitive)
Definition 1: To act as an expert; to apply specialized knowledge or skill to a task or problem.
Synonyms: specialize, master, excel, perform expertly
Antonyms: (difficult to find direct antonyms for this specific usage, as it describes a positive action. One might consider "muddle" or "botch" if the implication is to fail at applying expertise.)
Adverb (derived from adjective)
Definition 1: In a highly skilled or proficient manner; with expert knowledge or ability.
Synonyms: skillfully, proficiently, masterfully, ably, adeptly, professionally
Antonyms: unskillfully, ineptly, amateurishly, clumsily, poorly
Examples of Use
Books:
"To become an expert in any field, deliberate practice over many years is essential." (From Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell, November 2008)
"She was considered an expert in Renaissance art, having published numerous articles and a definitive book on the subject." (From The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, October 2013)
Newspapers:
"Health experts warn that the new variant could lead to a surge in hospitalizations if not properly managed." (From The New York Times, May 2024)
"An economic expert today outlined several strategies to combat rising inflation, including targeted subsidies for essential goods." (From The Wall Street Journal, June 2024)
Online Publications:
"Cybersecurity experts advise users to regularly update their software and use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts." (From TechCrunch, April 2024)
"The article features an interview with an expert on climate change, discussing the long-term impacts of global warming on coastal communities." (From National Geographic Online, March 2024)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Series (Documentary): "This documentary features a team of forensic experts re-examining cold cases with new technological advancements." (Example: Forensic Files, Episode from a 2020 season)
Video Game Review: "While the game is challenging, experienced players will appreciate the depth, and expert mode offers a truly punishing experience." (From an IGN review, February 2024)
Podcast: "In this episode, we sit down with a sleep expert to discuss the science behind restful sleep and common misconceptions." (From The Huberman Lab Podcast, January 2024)
Film: "He's an expert marksman, known for hitting targets from impossible distances." (Dialogue from a fictional action movie, though common trope)
General Public Discourse:
"I need an expert to look at my car's engine; it's making a strange noise." (Casual conversation)
"You're quite the expert at baking bread, aren't you? This loaf is delicious!" (Compliment in everyday interaction)
"The police called in a bomb disposal expert to safely disarm the device." (News report on a local incident, often heard in general conversation)
10 Quotes Using Expert
"An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field." (Niels Bohr)
"Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done, and why. Then do it." (Robert A. Heinlein)
"In the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind, there are few." (Shunryu Suzuki)
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert." (David Ben-Gurion)
"For every expert there is an equal and opposite expert." (Arthur C. Clarke)
"Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts." (Richard P. Feynman)
"Never become so much of an expert that you stop gaining expertise. View life as a continuous learning experience." (Denis Waitley)
"An expert knows more and more about less and less." (Nicholas Murray Butler)
"It is, after all, the responsibility of the expert to operate the familiar and that of the leader to transcend it." (Henry A. Kissinger)
"We have not overthrown the divine right of kings to fall for the divine right of experts." (Harold MacMillan, August 16, 1950)
Etymology
The word "expert" has a clear and fascinating journey through languages.
It ultimately comes from the Latin word "expertus," which was the past tense of the verb "experiri." "Experiri" meant "to try," "to test," or "to experience." So, "expertus" literally meant "tried," "proved," or "known by experience."
This Latin word then made its way into Old French as "expert" or "espert," carrying the meaning of "experienced, practiced, skilled."
In English, the word "expert" as an adjective, meaning "having had experience; skillful," first appeared in the late 14th century. This early use highlighted the idea of someone who gained mastery through a lot of practical experience. For example, in Geoffrey Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde (around 1374), he used "expert" to describe those who had gained mastery in love and science through accumulated experience.
Later, in the early 15th century, "expert" also started being used as a noun to refer to a "person wise through experience." By the early 19th century (around 1825), the noun "expert" gained a more specific legal meaning, referring to someone with special knowledge or experience who could testify in court, distinct from ordinary witnesses.
So, in simple terms, "expert" evolved from the idea of "having been tested" or "having gone through experiences" to someone who is highly skilled and knowledgeable in a particular area because of those experiences.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Expert
Expert opinion: A judgment or advice given by someone highly knowledgeable in a field.
Expert witness: A person who is permitted to testify in a court of law because of special knowledge or proficiency in a particular field that is relevant to the case.
To become an expert: To achieve a high level of skill or knowledge through study and practice.
An expert in the field: Someone who is highly skilled and knowledgeable in a specific area.
Calling in the experts: Requesting the assistance of highly skilled individuals for a particular problem.
Expert hand: Referring to a skilled or practiced touch in doing something.
An old hand at something: (Using the synonym 'hand' for expert) Someone very experienced in a particular activity.
A master of one's craft: (Using the synonym 'master') Someone highly skilled in their profession or trade.
To have the Midas touch: (Using a concept of expert success) To be an expert at making money or succeeding in ventures.
To know something inside out: (Implies expert knowledge) To understand something thoroughly.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of expert from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
