I. ex ‧ pert 1 S3 W2 AC /ˈekspɜːt $ -ɜːrt/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ expert , ↑ expertise ; adverb : ↑ expertly ≠ ↑ inexpertly ; adjective : ↑ expert ≠ ↑ inexpert ]
[ Date: 1800-1900 ; Language: French ; Origin: Old French ; ⇨ ↑ expert 2 ]
someone who has a special skill or special knowledge of a subject, gained as a result of training or experience
expert on
He’s a world expert on marine mammals.
expert in
an expert in statistics
medical/technical/financial etc expert
Tests should be administered by a medical expert.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ a leading expert (=one of the best and most respected)
He is one of the country’s leading experts on Islam.
▪ a world/international expert (=one who is known in many different countries)
She is a world expert on tropical diseases.
▪ an independent expert (=someone who is not controlled by, or does not receive money from, an organization or the government)
The authorities called in an independent expert to advise them.
▪ a medical/legal/financial etc expert (=someone who has special skills related to a particular job or subject)
Medical experts agree that screening can prevent deaths from breast cancer.
▪ a so-called expert (=someone who says they are an expert, but who you do not respect very much)
There are many so-called experts willing to tell you how to bring up your children.
■ verbs
▪ experts say something
Experts are saying that the economy is likely to improve towards the end of this year.
▪ experts believe something
Legal experts believe that the evidence will not be accepted in court.
▪ experts advise/recommend something
Most financial experts recommend that you don''t borrow money on credit cards.
▪ talk to/consult an expert (=ask an expert for information or advice)
If cracks appear in your house, you should consult an expert to find out what is causing the problem.
▪ get/obtain/seek advice from an expert (=ask an expert for information or advice)
Don’t make big financial decisions without first seeking advice from an expert.
■ phrases
▪ a team/panel of experts
You can get advice from our panel of gardening experts.
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THESAURUS
▪ expert someone who has a lot of knowledge about something or skill at doing something:
a computer expert
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an expert on beetles
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It’s best to ask an expert.
▪ specialist an expert who has studied a particular medical or technical subject for a long time and knows much more about it than other people:
She is a specialist in corporate finance.
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My doctor sent me to see a heart specialist.
▪ authority an expert whose knowledge and opinions are greatly respected:
The professor is one of the world’s leading authorities on African art.
▪ connoisseur /ˌkɒnəˈsɜː $ ˌkɑːnəˈsɜːr/ an expert on food, art, literature, or design, who has had a lot of experience and knows when something is of very good quality:
He was a connoisseur of fine wines.
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His works are popular among connoisseurs.
▪ buff /bʌf/ informal someone who is very interested in a subject and knows a lot about it:
a wine buff
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Jazz buffs will be familiar with the band’s first album.
▪ virtuoso /ˌvɜːtʃuˈəʊsəʊ $ ˌvɜːrtʃuˈoʊsoʊ/ an expert player or performer:
The piece was played by violin virtuoso Pavel Sporcl.
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a virtuoso pianist
II. expert 2 W3 AC BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ expert , ↑ expertise ; adverb : ↑ expertly ≠ ↑ inexpertly ; adjective : ↑ expert ≠ ↑ inexpert ]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: Latin expertus , past participle of experiri ; ⇨ ↑ experience 1 ]
1 . having a special skill or special knowledge of a subject OPP inexpert
expert on/in/at
The police are expert at handling situations like this in strict confidence.
He cast his expert eye on the gardener’s work.
2 . relating to or coming from an expert:
Ministers depend on civil servants for expert advice.
—expertly adverb
—expertness noun [uncountable]
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COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ nouns
▪ expert advice
Get some expert advice before investing in a property.
▪ expert opinion (=the opinions of people who know a lot about something)
Expert opinion on the matter is deeply divided.
▪ expert evidence/testimony
Two doctors were called to give expert testimony at the inquiry.
▪ expert knowledge
He has expert knowledge of the plants and animals in this area.
▪ expert eye (=the eyes of someone who knows a lot about something)
To the expert eye, this is a beautiful example of early Roman pottery.
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THESAURUS
■ very skilful
▪ accomplished very skilful because you have had a lot of experience of doing something - used especially about musicians, artists, performers etc:
a highly accomplished pianist
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She is one of the most accomplished theatre performers.
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She's a popular dancer, and very accomplished.
▪ expert extremely skilful and having a lot of knowledge about doing something:
He was an expert skier.
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Students learn to cook French food with the help of expert chefs.
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Politicians are expert at deflecting criticism.
▪ virtuoso [only before noun] extremely skilful and impressive - used especially about musicians, performers, or performances:
a virtuoso violinist
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The team gave a virtuoso performance in the final.