talent
TA-luhnt
Talent (noun) means a natural ability to do something well. Example: “He showed a real talent for painting from a young age.”
noun
1
A natural ability to do something well.
"He showed a real talent for painting from a young age."
"The scout was looking for young talent to sign."
"She has a talent for making people laugh."
2
People considered collectively for their skill, especially in entertainment.
"The agency represents some of the best talent in the industry."
"The show is always looking for fresh talent."
"The festival attracts talent from all around the country."
How to use talent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA natural skill or gift, or the people who have one.
Common pairings
a talent for something
natural talent
raw talent
spot talent
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Word forms
- Plural
- talents
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He showed a real _____ for painting from a young age.
Etymology
From Latin talentum, originally a unit of weight and money in ancient Greece; the modern sense of "natural ability" grew out of the biblical Parable of the Talents, where the word meant a sum of money entrusted to servants.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for talent
See all rhymes for talent →Frequently asked questions
What does “talent” mean?
The word “talent” means a natural ability to do something well. In plain terms, a natural skill or gift, or the people who have one.
How do you pronounce “talent”?
“Talent” is pronounced TA-luhnt (/ˈtælənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “talent” in a sentence?
Here is “talent” used in a sentence: “He showed a real talent for painting from a young age.”
What part of speech is “talent”?
“Talent” is a noun.
Where does the word “talent” come from?
The word “talent” comes from Latin.
Is “talent” a common word?
“Talent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “talent” have?
“Talent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a natural ability to do something well.
What is the difference between talent and skill?
Talent is a natural ability you are born with — an inbuilt aptitude that makes something come easily. Skill is ability built through practice, training and experience. The two work together: raw talent gives a head start, but it usually needs to be developed into skill before it produces real, reliable results.
Can talent be learned or developed?
A natural talent cannot really be learned from scratch, but it can be developed enormously. Practice, coaching and effort sharpen raw ability and turn it into polished skill. Many people with modest talent outperform naturally gifted ones through sheer work, which is why talent is best seen as a starting point, not a finished result.
What are examples of talent?
Talent shows up in many forms: musical talent for playing an instrument by ear, athletic talent for sport, or a talent for languages, drawing, maths or public speaking. Some people have a natural gift for leadership or making others laugh. Any field where certain people simply excel with ease reveals a talent.
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