maven

ma·ven

noun \ˈmā-vən\

Definition of MAVEN

: one who is experienced or knowledgeable : expert; also : freak 4a

Variants of MAVEN

ma·ven also ma·vin \ˈmā-vən\

Examples of MAVEN

1. <an investment maven, he was doing well even when the market was doing poorly>
2. <a science-fiction maven who could talk for hours about fictional technology>

Origin of MAVEN

Yiddish meyvn, from Late Hebrew mēbhīn

First Known Use: 1950

Related to MAVEN

Synonyms: ace, adept, artist, authority, cognoscente, connoisseur, crackerjack (also crackajack), dab [chiefly British], dab hand [chiefly British], fiend, geek, guru, hand, hotshot, maestro, master, expert (also mavin), meister, past master, proficient, scholar, shark, sharp, virtuoso, whiz, wizard

Antonyms: amateur, inexpert, nonexpert

Related Words: pro, professional; consultant, hired gun, specialist; addict, aficionado (also afficionado), buff, devotee, enthusiast, fan; craftsman, journeyman; all-rounder [British], jack-of-all-trades, Renaissance man; mistress

Near Antonyms: apprentice, beginner, neophyte, novice; dabbler, dilettante; layman, nonprofessional

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with MAVEN

craven, haven, raven