Outliers Terms

Relative age (Ch. 1)
The age difference between individuals born in the same calendar year, which can result in advantages or disadvantages due to cutoff dates for activities like school or sports.

Matthew Effect / Accumulative Advantage (Ch. 1)
The phenomenon where initial advantages lead to greater opportunities over time, as described by the phrase "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer."

10,000 Hours Rule (Ch. 2)
The idea that achieving mastery in any field requires approximately 10,000 hours of deliberate practice.

Threshold Idea/Effect (Ch. 3 & 4)
The concept that beyond a certain point, additional increases in a skill or attribute (e.g., intelligence or talent) have diminishing returns on success.

Divergence Test (Ch. 3)
A measure of creativity that evaluates an individual's ability to generate diverse and original ideas.

Analytical Intelligence (Ch. 3)
The ability to process and analyze information effectively, often measured by IQ tests and linked to problem-solving and logical reasoning.

Practical Intelligence (Ch. 4)
The ability to navigate social environments effectively and use knowledge to achieve personal or professional goals.

Entitlement (as discussed by Gladwell) (Ch. 4)
A sense of confidence and assertiveness taught through upbringing, enabling individuals to advocate for themselves and take advantage of opportunities.

Concerted Cultivation (Ch. 4)
A parenting style that emphasizes actively fostering a child’s talents, skills, and confidence through organized activities and communication.

Demographic Trough (Ch. 5)
A period of low birth rates that creates a smaller cohort of individuals, leading to reduced competition and greater opportunities for those born during that time.

Meaningful Work (Ch. 5)
Work that is characterized by autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward, contributing to personal fulfillment.

Cultural Legacy (Ch. 6)
The inherited patterns of behavior, beliefs, and values that influence how individuals respond to their environment and opportunities.

Mitigated Speech (Ch. 7)
A communication style that downplays or softens the urgency or forcefulness of a statement, often to show deference or politeness.