ENGLISH
REFERENCE

maven

n.
C1 Advanced US //ˈmeɪvən// UK //mˈævən// maven

n. an expert who knows a lot about a specific subject and is happy to share their knowledge with others. You use this word for someone who is very good at giving advice or tips.

n. an expert or specialist in a particular field, especially one who is willing to share their knowledge with others. Often used in a positive sense to describe a person who is both knowledgeable and generous with their time.


SIMPLE

She is a real maven when it comes to vintage cars.

CONTEXTUAL

If you want to learn about local history, you should ask the museum curator; she is a true maven in this field.

COMPLEX

The conference was a gathering of industry mavens who shared their insights on emerging trends, providing the attendees with a rare opportunity to learn from the best in the business.

Synonyms
Origin

From Yiddish מבֿין (meyvn, “connoisseur, expert, know-it-all”), from Hebrew מֵבִין (mevín, “one who understands, connoisseur, expert”), from הֵבִין (hevín, “to understand”). The word is said to have been popularized by its use in an advertising campaign for Vita Herring launched in the United States in 1964, which had a character called the “beloved [herring] maven” promoting the product.

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