Talent
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /ˈtælənt/
Origin
Old English talente, from plural of Latin talentum ("a Grecian weight; a talent of money"), from Ancient Greek τάλαντον (talanton, "balance, a particular weight, especially of gold, sum of money, a talent"). Later senses reinforced by Old French talent ("a talent, also will, inclination, desire").
Full definition of talent
Noun
talent
(plural talents)- (historical) A unit of weight and money used in ancient times in Greece, the Roman Empire, and the Middle East. from 9th c.
- 1611, Authorized Version, Matthew XXV 14-15:For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
- (obsolete) A desire or inclination for something. 14th-16th c.
- 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book X:‘Faythfully,’ seyde Sir Dynadan, ‘I woll nat abyde, for I have suche a talente to se Sir Trystram that I may nat abyde longe from hym.’
- After Matthew 25, above: A marked natural ability or skill. from 15th c.He has the talent of touching his nose with his tongue.
- (business, media, sports) People of talent, viewed collectively; a talented person. from 19th c.The director searched their talent pool to fill the new opening.
- (slang) The men or (especially) women of a place or area, judged by their attractiveness. from 20th c.Not much talent in this bar tonight – let's hit the clubs.
- 2011, Nic Venter, Wow! What a Life! (page 179)I went down to the beach front, of course, for that was the first thing that all Vaalies did: to look at the sea and to check the talent on the beach.