Talent is a natural ability to do something well, especially in areas like art, music, sports, or problem-solving. It can be developed further with practice and training.
It comes from Old French 'talent', from Latin 'talentum', which was originally a large unit of weight and money in ancient Greece. Through a famous Bible story, 'talent' changed from meaning a coin to meaning an ability or gift that should be used wisely.
The word 'talent' started as a chunk of money, so when we say 'don’t waste your talents', we’re echoing an ancient warning not to bury your wealth. Modern research suggests talent is often hidden potential that only shows up when someone gets the right practice and encouragement.
While “talent” is neutral in principle, in hiring, media, and entertainment industries it has sometimes been used to refer primarily to attractive women or to reinforce stereotypes about which genders are ‘naturally’ talented in certain domains. This reflects broader patterns of gendered gatekeeping around recognized expertise.
Use “talent” to describe skills and abilities without assuming or implying that certain genders are more likely to possess particular talents. Avoid using it as a euphemism for physical attractiveness.
["skilled person","professional","specialist"]
Women’s talents have often been downplayed or attributed to luck, support roles, or appearance rather than expertise. Explicitly crediting women’s skills and leadership helps counter this historical under-recognition.
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