polymathy

American  

[puh-lim-uh-thee] / pəˈlɪm ə θi /

noun

1. learning in many fields; encyclopedic knowledge.

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Etymology

Origin of polymathy

1635–45; < Greek polymathía; see polymath, -y ³

Explanation

Polymathy is the state of having deep knowledge or expertise across a wide range of subjects. True polymathy involves deep mastery in multiple fields, not just wide-ranging but superficial knowledge. A classic example of polymathy is Leonardo da Vinci, who lived from 1452 to 1519, during the Italian Renaissance. Da Vinci painted famous works, including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. But he wasn't just a painter; he was also a scientist, engineer, inventor, anatomist, writer, and musician. While most people specialize in one specific field, a polymath excels in many areas. In modern times, think of of a world-class neurosurgeon who also writes award-winning poetry and designs high-tech software.

Example Sentences

Hayes also had a job in financial services at the time, building on the polymathy and breadth of vision she had developed during her first 11 years in the game.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2022

Outside the constraints of a typical academic syllabus, study unfurls on the teacher’s idiosyncratic terms, and preferences are easily confused with polymathy.

From Slate • May 9, 2022

The proud multihyphenate’s polymathy was evident and nourished from childhood.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2021

In the 18th century, the conditions of polymathy shifted as intellectuals came to regard the universe less as an animate being and more as a machine.

From Washington Post • Oct. 1, 2020

Oppenheimer’s compulsive polymathy, however, pointed to his one outstanding intellectual flaw: he lacked the patience to make a single subject his own.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik