savant
scholar, learned person
noun sah-VAHN Rare
Origin: Latin sapere (to be wise)
Usage Note
Savant has entered English directly (as in 'idiot savant'), but in French it refers broadly to any highly knowledgeable person or scientist. The feminine form is savante. The adjective savant also means 'learned' or 'clever' (e.g., un chien savant — a trained dog).
Examples
"Ce savant a révolutionné la physique."
Natural Translation
This scholar revolutionized physics.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
FrenchNow
5 min read