Gifted vs. Talented — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Gifted often refers to innate intellectual abilities, while Talented denotes exceptional skill in a specific field, often acquired through practice.
Difference Between Gifted and Talented
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gifted individuals typically demonstrate a high degree of intellectual prowess, often in various fields. Talented individuals, however, may excel remarkably in specific areas such as art, music, or sports.
The term Gifted often suggests an innate capability, a natural aptitude or potential in broader domains. Talented, in many contexts, refers to a honed ability in a particular area, cultivated over time.
While both Gifted and Talented people exhibit above-average capabilities, a Gifted person might not always display discernible talents in practical areas. Meanwhile, a Talented person might not possess broad intellectual giftedness.
In educational settings, Gifted programs might cater to students with advanced intellectual capacities across subjects. On the other hand, Talented programs might focus on students who excel particularly in areas like music, art, or physical activities.
Comparison Chart
Basis of Attribute
Innate
Acquired
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Domain
Broad (often intellectual)
Specific (e.g., music, sports)
Development
Natural potential
Cultivated skill
Educational Context
Advanced intellectual capacities across subjects
Excellence in specific areas
Origin
Often born with
Developed over time
Compare with Definitions
Gifted
Having an innate capability above the norm.
He is a Gifted thinker with a penchant for philosophy.
Talented
Having a special ability in a particular field.
She's incredibly Talented when it comes to playing the violin.
Gifted
Born with remarkable aptitudes in one or more areas.
Prodigies are often seen as extremely Gifted children.
Talented
Possessing skill acquired through practice.
He's a Talented athlete after years of rigorous training.
Gifted
Endowed with exceptional potential.
Many believe that Gifted individuals are born, not made.
Talented
Displaying expertise in a specific domain.
The Talented artist's paintings are a treat to the eyes.
Gifted
Demonstrating extraordinary intellectual prowess.
As a Gifted student, she was always ahead of her peers in class.
Talented
Marked by exceptional skill in a particular activity.
The Talented chef presented a delectable dish.
Gifted
Possessing natural ability or intelligence.
She's Gifted in understanding complex mathematical theories.
Talented
Evidencing a high degree of capability in a specific area.
The orchestra was filled with Talented musicians.
Gifted
Having exceptional talent or natural ability
A gifted amateur musician
Talented
A marked innate ability, as for artistic accomplishment
Has a rare talent for music.
Gifted
Endowed with great natural ability, intelligence, or talent
A gifted child.
A gifted pianist.
Talented
Natural endowment or ability of a superior quality
The play has a cast of immense talent.
Gifted
Revealing special talent
A gifted rendition of the aria.
Talented
A person or group of people having such ability
The company makes good use of its talent.
Gifted
Received as a gift
Gifted assets.
A gifted bracelet.
Talented
A variable unit of weight and money used in ancient Greece, Rome, and the Middle East.
Gifted
Endowed with special, in particular intellectual, abilities.
A gifted artist
A school for gifted children
Talented
Endowed with one or more talents.
Gifted
Simple past tense and past participle of gift
Talented
Furnished with talents; possessing skill or talent; mentally gifted.
Gifted
Having unusual talent in some field.
Talented
Showing a natural aptitude for something
Gifted
Having exceptionally high intelligence; - said of children, especially in discourse on education; as, a program for gifted children.
Gifted
Showing a natural aptitude for something
Common Curiosities
Do Gifted programs only focus on academics?
Primarily, but some might also consider other areas of giftedness.
Is IQ a measure of being Gifted?
IQ can be an indicator, but being Gifted encompasses more than just a high IQ score.
Can Gifted students struggle in school?
Yes, some Gifted students might face challenges due to various reasons, including lack of challenge.
Can someone become Talented with practice?
Yes, many people become Talented in areas through dedication and practice.
Is every Gifted individual also Talented?
Not necessarily. While a Gifted individual may have innate abilities, they might not display specific talents.
How are Gifted and Talented programs different?
Gifted programs often cater to broader intellectual abilities, while Talented programs focus on specific skills.
Do Talented individuals always achieve success?
Not always. Success can depend on various factors, including opportunity and perseverance.
Can a Talented person be average intellectually?
Yes, someone might be Talented in an area like music but have average intellectual abilities.
Can anyone be Gifted or Talented?
While everyone has strengths, being Gifted or exceptionally Talented typically refers to those significantly above the norm.
How is Talented different from skilled?
While both indicate proficiency, Talented often suggests a higher degree of natural aptitude.
Are all prodigies Talented?
Most prodigies are exceptionally Talented in specific areas, often combined with being Gifted.
Is being Gifted genetic?
Genetics can play a role, but the environment and other factors also matter.
Can Talented individuals excel in multiple fields?
While possible, most Talented individuals excel remarkably in a particular domain.
How can parents nurture a Gifted child?
Offering advanced resources, understanding emotional needs, and ensuring appropriate challenges can help.
Can a Talented individual be self-taught?
Yes, many Talented people have honed their skills without formal instruction.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
