talent

tal·ent

noun \ˈta-lənt\

Definition of TALENT

1

a : any of several ancient units of weight b : a unit of value equal to the value of a talent of gold or silver

2

archaic : a characteristic feature, aptitude, or disposition of a person or animal

3

: the natural endowments of a person

4

a : a special often athletic, creative, or artistic aptitude b : general intelligence or mental power : ability

5

: a person of talent or a group of persons of talent in a field or activity

— tal·ent·ed \-lən-təd\ adjective

— tal·ent·less \-lənt-ləs\ adjective

Examples of TALENT

1. a singer with an enormous amount of talent
2. I have no musical talent.
3. Her artistic talent has been obvious ever since she was a child.
4. They sang a duet in the talent show .
5. She has a job that makes the most of her talents.
6. His experience, skills, and talents make him perfectly suited for the job.
7. There are many good players on the team, but she's a special talent.
8. The company has hired some expensive legal talent for the trial.
9. The team has recruited some of the best talent around.
10. The company is doing a talent search to find the right person for the job.

Origin of TALENT

Middle English, from Old English talente, from Latin talenta, plural of talentum unit of weight or money, from Greek talanton pan of a scale, weight; akin to Greek tlēnai to bear; in senses 2–5, from the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30 — more at tolerate

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to TALENT

Synonyms: aptitude, bent, endowment, faculty, flair, genius, gift, head, knack

Related Words: affinity, bias, disposition, habitude, impulse, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn; ear, eye, mind, nose; feel, hang, instinct, touch, way; capability, competence, facility, proficiency, skill; capacity, potential, power; forte, specialism, speciality, specialty

Near Antonyms: disability, handicap, inability, incapacity; shortcoming, weakness

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See Synonym Discussion at gift

Rhymes with TALENT

callant, gallant