What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
specialist
Example
The patient was referred to a specialist for further examination. [specialist: noun]
Example
She is a specialist in environmental law. [specialist: adjective]
adept
Example
He is an adept musician who can play multiple instruments. [adept: adjective]
Example
She became adept at using the new software after just a few hours of training. [adept: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Specialist is more commonly used than adept in professional or formal contexts, while adept is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between specialist and adept?
Specialist is generally considered more formal than adept, as it is often used in professional or academic contexts to describe someone with specialized knowledge or training.