specialist
Specialist (noun) means someone with deep expertise in one particular field or subject. Example: “She consulted a specialist about her knee injury.”
How to use specialist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn expert who focuses narrowly on one subject or field rather than knowing a bit about everything.
Word forms
more specialist comparative, specialists plural, most specialist superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She consulted a _____ about her knee injury.
Etymology
Borrowed from French spécialiste, built from "special" plus the noun-forming ending -ist.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for specialist
Frequently asked questions
What does “specialist” mean?
The word “specialist” means someone with deep expertise in one particular field or subject. In plain terms, an expert who focuses narrowly on one subject or field rather than knowing a bit about everything.
How do you pronounce “specialist”?
“Specialist” is pronounced SPEH-shuh-lihst (/ˈspɛʃəlɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “specialist” in a sentence?
Here is “specialist” used in a sentence: “She consulted a specialist about her knee injury.”
What is the opposite of “specialist”?
The opposite of “specialist” — its antonyms — are generalist and eurytopic.
What part of speech is “specialist”?
“Specialist” is a noun.
Where does the word “specialist” come from?
The word “specialist” comes from French. Borrowed from French spécialiste, built from "special" plus the noun-forming ending -ist.
Is “specialist” a common word?
“Specialist” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “specialist” have?
“Specialist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone with deep expertise in one particular field or subject.
What is the difference between a specialist and a generalist?
A specialist has deep expertise in one particular field or subject. A generalist has broad knowledge across many areas rather than mastery of one. A specialist goes deep, while a generalist goes wide.
What is the difference between a specialist and a GP?
A GP, or general practitioner, treats a wide range of everyday health problems. A specialist is a doctor who focuses on one branch of medicine, such as cardiology or dermatology, and usually sees patients referred to them by a GP.
What is the difference between a specialist and an expert?
Both have advanced knowledge, but a specialist concentrates on one narrow field or subject. "Expert" is broader and describes anyone highly skilled, whether their knowledge covers a single area or several.
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