Talented
adj.capableeveryday
What it means
Possessing a notably strong ability in a particular activity.
Reach for it when giving broad praise for a person's developed or natural ability
The talented illustrator made a complex safety process understandable at a glance.
Choose between these
8- everyday
when reliable competence is enough and exaggeration would distract
not when Capable undersells rare or remarkable ability.
- warm
when exceptional natural aptitude is the intended compliment
not when Gifted can minimize the effort and practice behind the achievement.
- warm
when future potential matters more than current mastery
not when Promising does not say the person already performs at a high level.
- professional
when quick, fluent handling of a defined task stands out
not when Adept is narrower and less celebratory than praise for wide creative ability.
- professional
when deep knowledge and authoritative practice can be demonstrated
not when Expert is a credential-like claim, not a casual substitute for general ability.
- professional
when proven ability from training or practice is clear
not when Skilled is safer than talented when no claim about unusual aptitude is warranted.
- formal
when a record of finished work supports the praise
not when Accomplished is premature for someone promising who has not yet built a body of work.
- literary
when technical mastery in an art is extraordinary
not when Virtuosic is inflated for solid everyday competence or non-artistic reliability.
Said against
3- unskilled
- inept
- untalented
It naturally appears in
3- talented artist
The talented artist turned children's sketches into a joyful public mural.
- talented team
A talented team can still improve when its members invite honest critique.
- highly talented
The highly talented apprentice also showed patience with every beginner.