expert
UK[ˈɛkspɜːt]US[ˈɛkspɜːrt]
n
a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area
adj
having or involving authoritative knowledge or skill in a particular area
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
pert
ex
out
pert
experienced
Etymology
The word 'expert' entered English in the 14th century from Old French, which itself derived from the Latin expertus, the past participle of experiri meaning 'to try, test'. The Latin root experiri is built from ex- ('out') and a base related to peritus ('experienced'), conveying the sense of one who has been 'tried out' or tested thoroughly. Thus, the core logic of the word has always linked the concept of knowledge to practical experience and proven trial. Over time, the meaning evolved from the general state of being experienced to specifically denoting a person with authoritative, specialized skill acquired through such testing and practice.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + pert (experienced)
ex- (Latin prefix meaning 'out of, from, thoroughly'); -pert (from Latin peritus, meaning 'experienced, skilled, tried')
Examples
She is a leading expert in environmental law.
We need expert advice before proceeding with the renovation.
His analysis was detailed and expert.