expert
An expert is someone who knows a lot about a specific subject because they have studied it or practiced it for a long time.
Explanation at your level:
An expert is a person who knows a lot. If you play soccer every day for five years, you become an expert at soccer. You are very good at it. You can teach others how to play. People ask you for help because you have the right answers.
An expert is someone with a lot of skill. For example, a doctor is an expert at medicine. A teacher is an expert at teaching. You can use the word to talk about someone who is the best at their job. If you want to learn something new, you should talk to an expert.
In daily life, an expert is someone who has studied a subject for a long time. You might hear people say, 'I need to consult an expert before I buy this car.' This means they want advice from someone who knows more than they do. It is a very common word in the workplace and in news reports.
Being an expert implies a level of authority. It is not just about knowing things; it is about having the experience to make good decisions. You might hear about 'expert opinion' or 'expert advice.' It is used when a situation is complex and requires someone with specialized knowledge to provide a solution.
The term expert is often used to establish credibility. In academic or professional fields, being labeled an 'expert' signifies that one has contributed significantly to their domain. It is distinct from being a 'novice' or 'amateur.' The nuance here is that an expert does not just follow rules; they understand the underlying principles of their field to innovate and solve unprecedented problems.
Etymologically, an expert is one who has been 'tested' by experience. At the C2 level, we recognize that expertise is often a lifelong pursuit. It is not merely a title but a status earned through rigorous application and critical reflection. Whether in the arts, sciences, or humanities, an expert is someone whose judgment is sought because their perspective is informed by a deep, historical, and practical understanding of their craft.
30秒词汇
- An expert has high skill or knowledge.
- The word comes from Latin 'experiri'.
- Commonly used with 'in', 'on', or 'at'.
- It is a countable noun.
When we call someone an expert, we are saying they have reached a very high level of mastery. It is not just about knowing facts; it is about having the deep understanding that comes from years of hands-on experience.
Think of a doctor, a master chef, or a computer programmer. They are experts because they have spent thousands of hours learning the 'ins and outs' of their craft. Being an expert means you are the person people turn to when they need a difficult problem solved or a complex topic explained clearly.
The word expert comes to us from the Latin word expertus, which is the past participle of experiri, meaning 'to try' or 'to test.' This is the same root that gives us the word experience.
Historically, an expert was someone who had been 'tested' by life or practice. In the 14th century, the word entered Middle English through Old French. It originally described someone who was experienced or skilled. Over time, it shifted from a general adjective meaning 'experienced' to the noun we use today to describe a master of a craft.
You will often hear this word used with adjectives like leading, renowned, or self-proclaimed. It is a very common word in professional, academic, and journalistic settings.
When you want to describe someone's level of skill, you might say they are an 'expert in' a field or an 'expert on' a specific topic. For example, 'She is an expert in marine biology' or 'He is an expert on 18th-century furniture.' It is a neutral, highly useful term that fits almost any situation where specialized knowledge is required.
While 'expert' is a straightforward noun, it appears in many common phrases.
- Expert opinion: A formal judgment given by a specialist.
- Expert witness: A person with specialized knowledge who testifies in court.
- To be an expert at/in: To possess high skill.
- Expert advice: Guidance provided by someone with deep knowledge.
- Expert system: A computer program that mimics a human expert's decision-making.
The noun expert is a countable noun, meaning it takes an 's' to become plural: experts. It is often used with indefinite articles, as in 'an expert.'
The pronunciation varies slightly by region: UK: /ˈek.spɜːt/ and US: /ˈek.spɝːt/. Note the stress is on the first syllable. It rhymes with words like inert (when stressed differently) or desert (as in to leave), though the vowel sound is distinct.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with the word 'experiment'.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'e' sound, followed by a long 'ur' sound.
Similar to UK, slightly more emphasis on the 'r' sound.
Common Errors
- Misplacing the stress (ex-PERT instead of EX-pert)
- Pronouncing the 'x' as 'z'
- Dropping the 't' at the end
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
高级
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
an expert/experts
Prepositions with Nouns
expert in/on/at
Articles
an expert
Examples by Level
She is an expert at painting.
She is very good at painting.
Use 'at' after expert.
He is an expert.
He knows a lot.
Simple sentence.
Ask the expert.
Talk to the person who knows.
Imperative form.
They are experts.
They know many things.
Plural noun.
I am not an expert.
I don't know much.
Negative sentence.
Is he an expert?
Does he know a lot?
Question form.
The expert is here.
The smart person arrived.
Definite article.
We need an expert.
We want someone smart.
Indefinite article.
She is an expert in computer science.
The expert gave us some good advice.
He is a world-famous expert.
I need an expert to fix my sink.
They are experts in local history.
Ask an expert for help.
She became an expert after many years.
He is an expert on birds.
The government consulted several experts.
She is widely regarded as an expert in her field.
He has the knowledge of an expert.
You should seek expert opinion on this matter.
The report was written by an expert.
They hired an expert to manage the project.
She is an expert at solving puzzles.
He is an expert on climate change.
The court called an expert witness to testify.
It takes years to become a true expert.
She provided expert analysis of the situation.
He is a self-proclaimed expert on finance.
The software was designed by security experts.
We need expert guidance to proceed.
She is an expert in the field of medicine.
He is an expert at navigating complex systems.
The panel consisted of leading experts in the industry.
His expert knowledge proved invaluable during the crisis.
She offered an expert critique of the architectural design.
He is an expert in the nuances of international law.
The project requires the intervention of a technical expert.
They are experts at identifying market trends.
She has the expert touch of a master craftsman.
He is considered an expert on ancient civilizations.
She is an expert in the subtle art of negotiation.
The manuscript was reviewed by an expert in paleography.
He is an expert at synthesizing diverse viewpoints.
The team is comprised of experts in their respective domains.
She possesses the expert insight of a seasoned diplomat.
His expert handling of the situation calmed the crowd.
They are recognized as experts in the field of quantum physics.
The expert opinion was that the painting was authentic.
近义词
常见搭配
Idioms & Expressions
"expert in one's field"
highly knowledgeable in a specific area
She is an expert in her field.
neutral"the expert's touch"
the special skill someone brings
The project needed the expert's touch.
neutral"expert opinion"
professional view
What is your expert opinion?
formal"on expert authority"
based on what an expert says
I state this on expert authority.
formal"an expert on X"
someone who knows a lot about X
He is an expert on cars.
neutral"expert system"
AI software
The company uses an expert system.
technicalEasily Confused
Related root
Noun for skill vs noun for person
He has expertise; he is an expert.
Similar meaning
Professional implies paid work
A professional is paid; an expert is skilled.
Similar meaning
Specialist is more narrow
A specialist is an expert in one tiny area.
Similar meaning
Master is more traditional
A master of a craft.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + an + expert + in + noun
She is an expert in biology.
Subject + is + an + expert + on + noun
He is an expert on cars.
Subject + is + an + expert + at + gerund
They are experts at coding.
The + expert + verb + object
The expert solved the problem.
I + consult + the + expert
I consult the expert daily.
词族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
相关
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
常见错误
We use 'in' or 'at' with nouns or gerunds, not 'to' plus a verb.
While 'of' is sometimes used, 'in' or 'on' are much more common.
The noun for the quality of being an expert is 'expertise'.
Expertly is an adverb; expert is the noun.
Expert is not typically used as a verb.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a library where the expert lives.
Native Speakers
They use it to emphasize credibility.
Cultural Insight
Expertise is highly valued in Western culture.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'an' before expert.
Say It Right
Stress the first syllable.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'expertness'.
Did You Know?
It comes from the Latin 'experiri'.
Study Smart
Use the word in your daily journal.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
An EX-PERT is an EX-cellent PER-son at a task.
Visual Association
A person with a gold medal in their field.
Word Web
挑战
Identify one expert you admire today.
词源
Latin
Original meaning: tried, tested
文化背景
None, but can be used sarcastically.
Used frequently in media to validate opinions.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- consult the expert
- expert opinion
- technical expert
school
- expert in history
- ask an expert
- expert advice
travel
- local expert
- expert guide
- expert advice
hobbies
- expert at painting
- expert at cooking
- expert at chess
Conversation Starters
"Who is an expert you admire?"
"What are you an expert at?"
"Do you think experts are always right?"
"How long does it take to become an expert?"
"Would you like to be an expert in something?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you needed an expert.
Describe a skill you have mastered.
Why is expertise important in society?
If you could be an expert in one thing, what would it be?
常见问题
8 个问题No, it is primarily a noun or adjective.
Expert is the person; expertise is the knowledge.
Yes, as long as the person has high skill.
No, it is an adverb.
Through practice and study.
Yes, even experts can make mistakes.
It is neutral and widely used.
Experts.
自我测试
She is an ___ at drawing.
Expert fits the context of skill.
What does an expert have?
Experts have high levels of skill.
An expert is a beginner.
An expert is the opposite of a beginner.
Word
意思
Synonym matching.
Subject-verb-object structure.
得分： /5
Summary
An expert is someone who has turned years of practice into deep, reliable knowledge.
- An expert has high skill or knowledge.
- The word comes from Latin 'experiri'.
- Commonly used with 'in', 'on', or 'at'.
- It is a countable noun.
Memory Palace
Imagine a library where the expert lives.
Native Speakers
They use it to emphasize credibility.
Cultural Insight
Expertise is highly valued in Western culture.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'an' before expert.
例句
My father is an expert at fixing old cars.
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