A person with extremely high intelligence or exceptional natural talent, or the special creative power itself.
From Latin *genius* meaning “guiding spirit, guardian deity,” thought to watch over a person or place. Over time, the word shifted from an external spirit that gives talent to the talent itself inside a person. By the 18th century it meant outstanding natural ability.
Originally, your ‘genius’ was like a private spirit that visited you with ideas — not something you were, but something you had. The modern idea of a lone genius hides the truth that most breakthroughs come from networks, collaboration, and long, boring practice.
"Genius" has historically been applied disproportionately to men, especially in fields like science, art, and music, while women’s comparable achievements were framed as diligence or talent rather than genius. This reflects access barriers and biased recognition, not actual ability differences.
Apply "genius" based on achievement and impact without assuming gender, and be aware of historical under-recognition of women and marginalized groups.
["highly accomplished","exceptionally skilled","brilliant"]
When discussing historical "geniuses," include women and other underrepresented groups whose work was minimized or attributed to male colleagues.
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