What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
savant
Example
The musical savant could play any song on the piano after hearing it just once. [savant: noun]
Example
He was a savant in mathematics, able to solve complex problems with ease. [savant: adjective]
expert
Example
She was an expert in computer programming, having worked in the field for over a decade. [expert: noun]
Example
He gave an expert opinion on the matter, having studied it extensively. [expert: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expert is more commonly used than savant in everyday language. Expert is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while savant is less common and refers to a very specific type of exceptional ability.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between savant and expert?
While both savant and expert can be used in formal contexts, savant may be considered more technical or specialized due to its rarity and specificity.