The Nature of Genius Vocabulary

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the lecture 'The Nature of Genius,' exploring the history, societal attitudes, and characteristics associated with giftedness.

Genius

A term derived from the Latin 'gens' (family) and 'begetter,' originally associated with the head of the family and later representing an individual's highest attributes.

Prodigy

A person, especially a child, who shows exceptional talent or abilities.

Divinity

The state of being divine; the text links 'genius' to the early Roman cult of a divinity as the head of the family.

Perpetuate

To maintain or continue indefinitely, such as the ability of the paterfamilias to perpetuate himself.

Attribute

A quality or characteristic belonging to a person.

Exceptional

Unusually good or outstanding; well beyond the average.

Ambivalent

Having mixed, contradictory, or opposing feelings or attitudes toward something.

Mythology

A collection of myths or popular beliefs, such as the popular belief that gifted people must be defective in some way.

Defective

Imperfect or lacking in some way; the text notes a myth that talent in one area implies being defective in another.

Intellectual

A person possessing highly developed thinking or academic interest, sometimes used as a term of denigration.

Eccentric

Unconventional or slightly strange behavior often attributed to gifted individuals.

Boffin

A person who is exclusively or heavily involved in scientific or technical research.

Blue-stocking

A term used for an intellectual or highly educated woman.

Denigration

The action of unfairly criticizing something or making it seem unimportant.

Norm-referenced

Results or data that are evaluated in relation to the standard or average of a specific group.

Anecdote

A short, interesting story about a real incident or person, often used as informal evidence.

Corporal punishment

Physical discipline or punishment inflicted on the body, such as hitting or slapping.

Vantage point

A particular position or perspective that affords a clear view or understanding of a situation.

Continuum

A continuous sequence in which elements change gradually, such as the range of human abilities from incapable to outstanding.

Mundane

Lacking interest or excitement; dull and ordinary.

Mediocre

Of only moderate quality; not very good.

Outstrip

To move faster than and overtake someone, or to exceed their achievements.

Emulate

To match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation.

Unpalatable

Difficult to tolerate or accept; unpleasant.

Perseverance

Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

Integrity

The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

Delude

To deceive or trick someone, or oneself, into believing something that is not true.