B2noun3K

Specialist

UK /["/ˈspeʃəlɪst/"]/US /["/ˈspeʃəlɪst/"]/

Definition

a person who is an expert in a particular area of work or study

In simple words: A person who knows a lot about a specific subject.

Examples

  • The doctor is a specialist in cardiology and has treated many patients with heart conditions.
  • For this project, we need a specialist who can develop our software efficiently.
  • She has become a specialist in environmental law over the years.
  • The technician is a specialist in repairing old machinery.
  • As a marketing specialist, he knows how to target the right audience effectively.

Usage notes

Use 'specialist' when referring to someone with expertise in a particular field, like medicine or technology. It's appropriate in both casual and professional contexts but may sound overly formal in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

specialist + in + subject

Memory hint

Think of a 'special' person who has a specific skill.

Collocations

  • leading
  • top
  • experienced
  • bring in
  • hire
  • consult
  • specialist in
  • specialist on
  • a group of specialists
  • a team of specialists
  • a specialist in the field
  • leading
  • top
  • experienced
  • bring in
  • hire
  • consult
  • specialist in
  • specialist on
  • a group of specialists
  • a team of specialists
  • a specialist in the field

Synonyms

  • expert
  • authority
  • professional
  • master
  • pro

Antonyms

  • generalist
  • amateur

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'generalist' which refers to someone with broad knowledge.
  • Incorrectly using 'specialist' as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Misusing it in informal contexts where 'expert' might be more suitable.