What does talented mean?
Talented describes a person who has a notable natural ability or aptitude in a particular activity. The word is especially common when discussing musicians, actors, writers, athletes, artists, students, and other people who demonstrate unusual skill or promise. Unlike “skilled,” which may refer to experience or training, “talented” often suggests that the ability is innate, although the distinction is not absolute. In everyday use, it is a positive and complimentary term, but in some contexts it can sound informal or general rather than precise. As an adjective, it normally appears before a noun, as in “talented musician,” or after a linking verb, as in “She is exceptionally talented.” The related noun “talent” means natural ability or a gifted person, while “talents” can refer to people with special abilities or to a collection of such abilities.
adjectiveHaving or showing a natural ability or aptitude for doing something well. Often used to describe people who are notably skilled in an artistic, intellectual, or practical field.
- Having a natural ability or aptitude for an activity or field
- Displaying notable skill, intelligence, or creativity
"The talented young musician was invited to perform with the national orchestra."
"She is talented enough to excel in both music and mathematics."
"The coach was looking for talented players to join the development squad."
The word “talent” originally referred to a sum of money, but a story in the Bible helped give it the meaning of a natural gift or ability.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does talented come from?
The adjective “talented” developed from the English noun “talent,” which came through Old French from Latin “talentum,” meaning a sum of money. Latin “talentum” was borrowed from Greek “talanton,” associated with weighing and balance. In biblical usage, a “talent” was a large unit of money or weight, and the word later developed the sense of a natural gift or endowment, which led to the modern adjective “talented”.
Related word forms
How talented is actually used
Generally positive and complimentary, though it is often used informally. “Talented” can emphasize innate ability, while “skilled” may focus on knowledge or practice. It is commonly used in education, entertainment, sport, and the arts.