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Differences among words describing someone who is expert in many things

I just wondered, what could we call a person with deep knowledge in various fields? For example, computers, music, sports, etc.

I think I could use sage, but it wouldn't be appropriate if someone is experienced in multiple fields.

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marked as duplicate by Matt Эллен, Kris, jwpat7, FumbleFingers, waiwai933 Feb 16 '12 at 6:33


2 Answers 2

up vote 12 down vote accepted

I guess they could be called a polymath or renaissance man as defined here.

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There were serious reservations to renaissance man, in a reply to another question earlier. –  Kris Feb 15 '12 at 8:41
polymath is the word used usually, +1 for that. For those curious about the 'math', let us clarify here math means knowledge in general, which perfectly fits. Renaissance man may have many artistic skills also, which I am not sure whether goes along. –  karthik Feb 15 '12 at 9:35
@Kris could you link to that question? –  callum Feb 15 '12 at 11:13
1. copy the phrase and paste it in the search box. Voila! 2. For the quintessential slacker: english.stackexchange.com/questions/54580/… –  Kris Feb 15 '12 at 11:48
@Kris, point taken for the meaning "Renaissance" based on the comment there. –  Vidya Murthy Feb 15 '12 at 12:09

You may use wise

wise: having gained a great deal of knowledge from books or experience or both and able to use it well

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Knowledge and wisdom are not synonymous. –  Kris Feb 15 '12 at 8:40
+1 for @Kris, knowing a lot does not make you have wisdom. If that were so, then what would be the value of analysis of knowledge? We know a lot, but how much do we understand? –  karthik Feb 15 '12 at 9:37
@karthik: +1 for "We know a lot, but how much do we understand?". So true in today's world. –  Vidya Murthy Feb 16 '12 at 4:26
@karthik: Where's my +1 ? –  Kris Feb 16 '12 at 8:58
@Kris, thanks for reminding, intended to, but missed! :) –  karthik Feb 16 '12 at 11:02
