polimata
feminine, masculine
A polymath is polimata in Italian. If unsure, use polimata. Wiktionary also lists uomo universale and polimate.
Meaning: person with extraordinarily broad and comprehensive knowledge (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| polimata | feminine, masculine |
| uomo universale | masculine |
| polimate | feminine, masculine |
polimata describes a person with very broad knowledge across many fields.
Which one should you use?
uomo universale (universal man) is a more elevated way to describe a person of wide knowledge and ability. mente versatile (versatile mind) conveys a similar idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
polimata is used for both men and women. uomo universale is masculine only.
Did you know?
- The term uomo universale is deeply tied to the Italian Renaissance, specifically the ideal of the 'Renaissance Man' who excelled in art, science and philosophy.
- In Italian, the word universale shares the same root as 'universe', implying that a polymath's knowledge encompasses the entire created world.
- Leonardo da Vinci is the quintessential uomo universale in Italian culture, often cited as the living embodiment of the phrase.
Examples in context
- Leonardo da Vinci, l'archetipo dell'uomo universale, eccelleva come artista, scienziato e inventore.Leonardo da Vinci, the archetype of the polymath, excelled as an artist, scientist, and inventor.
- Andrea ha dimostrato di essere un vero uomo universale: suona vari strumenti musicali, scrive poesie e si occupa di intelligenza artificiale.Andrea has proven to be a true polymath: he plays multiple musical instruments, writes poetry, and works in artificial intelligence.
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are discussing a historical figure in a library.
- MartinaLorenzo, guarda questo libro su Leonardo da Vinci.Lorenzo, look at this book about Leonardo da Vinci.
- LorenzoSì, era un polimata incredibile, no?Yes, he was an incredible polymath, wasn't he?
- MartinaAssolutamente, sapeva fare tutto.Absolutely, he knew how to do everything.
- LorenzoOggi è difficile trovare un polimata così.Today it is difficult to find such a polymath.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “polymath” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
