Differences among words describing someone who is expert in many things


I wonder how the following words for describing someone who knows many different things compare, and when to use which word. Some are adjectives, others are nouns:



  • renaissance

  • polymath

  • versatile

  • aficionado

  • ... (possibly others if you don't hesitate to mention)


Some background:




  1. I encountered "aficionado" and "versatile" from a personal description here



    "It's getting harder and harder for me to believe that you're just a hobbyist. Aficionado would be a better term. And a damn versatile one at that!"




  2. When I told some American I hoped to be polymath, he said they would use "Renaissance" instead.



Answer



Renaissance is usually talked about in relation with the Renaissance Period. Though it may be used in this sense, I guess, but I am not sure if it is advisable.


Polymath is adequate. But please note that it usually implies that a person is an expert in several different subjects, you cannot become a polymath if you only know many subjects. Also, polymath is also used for someone who is very knowledgeable, which in this case is also applicable, so another +1 for Polymath.


Versatile is defined as begin capable of or adapted for turning easily from one to another of various tasks, fields of endeavor etc. So basically it means a person who is adaptable, can easily do tasks of a different nature. It may be used in this case, but note it, by using it you will be praising the adaptability of the person instead of his knowledge.


Aficionado is someone who is very knowledgeable and an expert in a subject. But in this case you are only referring to the person's expertise in one subject. It isn't usually used when talking about a person's skills in many subjects, which is the case.


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