savant

noun

sa·​vant sa-ˈvänt 

sə-,

-ˈväⁿ;

sə-ˈvant,

ˈsa-vənt

1

: a person of learning

especially : one with detailed knowledge in some specialized field (as of science or literature)

2

: a person affected with a developmental disability (such as autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability) who exhibits exceptional skill or brilliance in some limited field (such as mathematics or music)

especially : autistic savant see also savant syndrome

Did you know?

Word-loving Homo sapiens will appreciate how much there is to know about savant. For one, savant comes ultimately from the Latin word sapere (“to be wise”) by way of Middle French, where savant is the present participle of savoir, meaning “to know.” Second, savant shares roots with the English words sapient (“possessing great wisdom”) and sage (“very wise”) (as well as Homo sapiens). Finally, the term is sometimes used to refer to a person who demonstrates extraordinary knowledge in a particular subject or has an extraordinary ability to perform a particular task (such as complex mathematics) but has more limited capacities in other areas.

Synonyms

• pundit
• sage
• scholar

Examples of savant in a Sentence

a savant in the field of medical ethics

Recent Examples on the Web

The street style savant also gave us a case study in going-out attire. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025

Bernthal is currently focused on The Accountant 2, a sequel to 2016’s thriller about a math savant (played by Ben Affleck) who, on the side, works as a freelance accountant for dangerous criminal organizations. —Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025

The neighbors — a group of computer savants and vegan activists committed to the study of human cognition, most of them trans women — moved box trucks on his land. —Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025

There’s a great debate raging about how the industry should value high-average, low-slugging contact savants like Arraez, who owns three consecutive batting titles yet has been traded twice during that span, from the Minnesota Twins to the Miami Marlins to the Padres. —Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from present participle of savoir to know, from Latin sapere to be wise — more at sage

First Known Use

1719, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing savant

• autistic savant
• idiot savant
• savant syndrome

Rhymes for savant

• avant
• croissant
• detente
• entente
• storefront
• commandant
• confidant
• conodont
• debutante
• nonchalant
• restaurant
• daunt

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Kids Definition

savant

noun

sa·​vant sa-ˈvänt 

-ˈvän;

sə-ˈvant,

ˈsav-ənt

1

: scholar sense 2b

2

: a person affected with a developmental disorder (such as autism or intellectual disability) who exhibits exceptional skill or brilliance in some limited field (such as mathematics or music)

Etymology

from French savant, a form of the verb savoir "to know," from Latin sapere "to be wise, taste, have good taste" — related to insipid, sage entry 1

Medical Definition

savant

noun

sa·​vant sa-ˈvänt, sə-, -ˈvant 

: a person affected with a developmental disorder (as autism or intellectual disability) who exhibits exceptional skill or brilliance in some limited field (as mathematics or music)

especially : autistic savant see savant syndrome