polymath
Meaning: A person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning across many different subjects.
Polymath describes an individual whose expertise spans multiple disciplines, often combining the sciences, arts, and humanities. The term is used admiringly to characterise figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, who excelled as a painter, engineer, anatomist, and inventor. In contemporary usage, the word recognises those who resist narrow specialisation in an age that increasingly rewards it. Polymaths are contrasted with specialists, and the concept raises questions about whether deep expertise in many fields is still achievable in the modern era. Common collocations include 'true polymath,' 'Renaissance polymath,' and 'modern polymath.'
Examples
- Leonardo da Vinci remains the archetypal polymath, equally accomplished in art, science, and engineering. 达·芬奇仍然是博学家的典型代表,在艺术、科学和工程方面成就卓越。Leonardo da Vinci sigue siendo el arquetipo del polímata, igualmente consumado en arte, ciencia e ingeniería.レオナルド・ダ・ヴィンチは、芸術、科学、工学に等しく秀でた博識家の典型として今なお知られている。레오나르도 다 빈치는 예술, 과학, 공학에 고루 뛰어난 전형적인 박식가로 여전히 기억되고 있다.
- The professor was a genuine polymath whose interests ranged from quantum physics to medieval poetry. 这位教授是一位真正的博学家,兴趣涵盖从量子物理到中世纪诗歌。El profesor era un auténtico polímata cuyos intereses iban desde la física cuántica hasta la poesía medieval.その教授は量子物理学から中世の詩にまで関心が及ぶ、真の博識家だった。그 교수는 양자물리학부터 중세 시까지 관심사가 걸쳐 있는 진정한 박식가였다.
- In an age of narrow specialisation, she was celebrated as a polymath who could move effortlessly between disciplines. 在一个狭隘专精的时代,她作为一位能在各学科之间自如切换的博学家而备受赞誉。En una era de estrecha especialización, era celebrada como una polímata capaz de moverse sin esfuerzo entre disciplinas.狭い専門化の時代にあって、彼女は分野を自在に横断できる博識家として称えられた。좁은 전문화의 시대에, 그녀는 분야를 자유자재로 넘나들 수 있는 박식가로서 칭송받았다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, literary, media
Tone: positive
Origin & History
From Greek polymathes (having learned much), from poly (many) and manthanein (to learn). The word entered English in the early 17th century, though the concept of the 'Renaissance man' with broad learning predates its formal use.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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