Between genius and gifted, there is some difference that can be seen from the kind of person that each term refers to. From time to time we hear of the exceptional talents of individuals and groundbreaking discoveries. In order to refer to such people a variety of words is used. Some of these words are gifted, genius, prodigy, etc. Each of these words has a specific meaning and refers to a specific individual who meets the criterion. In this sense, these words cannot be used as synonyms. This article explores the words, genius and gifted in order to highlight the difference. First, let us pay attention to the definitions of the words. The word genius can be defined as someone who has exceptional abilities in terms of creativity and intellectual capacities, and even out of the box thinking. Gifted can be defined as extreme ability in terms of creativity, academic knowledge, artistic capacities, etc. This is mostly used for children who are identified as gifted due to their exceptional skills in a particular field. This is the main difference between a genius and a gifted child. This article will elaborate the difference between these two words.
Who is a Genius?
A genius is an individual who has exceptional capacities in terms of intellectuality, creativity, and originality that surpasses others. A genius goes beyond the boundaries of a particular field and explores new knowledge. This is why a genius is equated with originality. Using his exceptional talents, he can produce something new and original.
Charles Darwin can be considered as a true genius for his contribution to science, with the ideas of natural selection. He brought about a new perspective that challenged not only the scientific arena of the time but also the entire social structure. This is the nature of a genius.
In disciplines such as science, psychology and even philosophy, the concept of the genius mind has been studied extensively. The question whether the brain functioning of a genus is different from a normal individual has grappled the minds of scientists throughout history. Francis Galton for example studied the human mind in order to find possible differences and deviations in a genius mind.
Charles Darwin
Who is a Gifted Child?
In schools and other educational institutions and even within families some are identified as different from the majority and considered as gifted. We hear this term being used for children in various fields. Being gifted means the child has exceptional academic, creative, artistic skills. A gifted child may be able to perform exceptionally well in the classroom and display a higher level of performance than expected for his age. However, there are cases where the child may not display this potential at all. Sometimes the physical growth of a gifted child can be less in comparison to the other and display certain uneven functioning or developments. In certain cases, the environmental factors such as poverty, family background, culture can hinder the performance of such children.
Beethovan was a gifted child
What is the difference between Gifted and Genius?
• Definition of Gifted and Genius:
• Genius can be defined as someone who has exceptional abilities in terms of creativity, intellectual capacities, originality, and even out of the box thinking.
• Gifted can be defined as extreme ability in terms of creativity, academic knowledge, artistic capacities, etc.
• Age Group:
• Genius is used for anyone with exceptional abilities.
• Gifted is used mostly for children.
• Contribution:
• A Genius usually is responsible for a breakthrough in a discipline; bringing in a new perspective that challenged the existing.
• A gifted child may not contribute to such an endeavor.
• Appearance:
• The physical growth of a gifted child, sometimes, may be less in comparison to the other and display certain uneven functioning or developments.
Images Courtesy:
- Charles Darwin via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
- Beethovan by RobertG (CC BY-SA 3.0)