Words / C2

POL-eem-ath/ˈpɒlimæθ/

A polymath is a person of wide learning across many subjects (formal): a Victorian polymath, polymath range. An expert (already in the dictionary) is everyday high knowledge in one subject; a scholar (already in the dictionary) studies in depth, erudite (already in the dictionary) is learned from study, and a genius (already in the dictionary) has exceptional ability. Versatile (already in the dictionary) is able to do many things — skill, not necessarily learning. Knowledge (already in the dictionary) is what you know. Range does not fill an empty cell.

Meaning

A person of wide learning across many subjects (formal).

Examples

• “A polymath on the panel still has to fill the n.”
• “An expert knows a subject very well (already in B1). A scholar is a serious academic researcher (already in C1). Erudite is learned and well read (already in C2). A genius has exceptional ability (already in B2). Versatile is able to do many things (already in C1). Knowledge is what you know (already in B1). Breadth on the right object can still be exact. Breadth instead of a dated n is theatre. Write the number; then the range.”

Good to know

A person learned in many fields. Everyday: expert / knowledge (already in this dictionary). Close: scholar (already in C1); erudite (already in C2); genius (already in B2). Mix-up: versatile (many skills — already in C1). Range ≠ an n.

Near in meaning

erudite, savant, learned, renaissance person

New