connoisseurship
/ˌkɒn.əˈsɜː.ʃɪp/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The knowledge and good judgment needed to judge art, food, wine, or other fine things well. It also means the skill of noticing small differences that others may miss.
- Her connoisseurship of wine impressed the guests.
- He showed real connoisseurship in choosing paintings.
- The chef valued her connoisseurship of spices.
Adinary Nuance
Connoisseurship is not just liking something. It means trained taste and careful judgment, especially for art, wine, food, or music. It is stronger and more expert than simple appreciation, and more specific than taste. Use it when the person can judge quality, not just enjoy it.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sự sành sỏi
- Spanish
- conocimiento experto
- Chinese
- 鉴赏力
- Japanese
- 鑑識眼
- Korean
- 감식안
Etymology
It comes from connoisseur, from French, plus -ship, an English suffix meaning “state or skill.” It entered English in the 18th century.
Common phrases
wine connoisseurshipart connoisseurshipa mark of connoisseurshipdisplay connoisseurship
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is connoisseurship a common word in everyday English?
- No, it is fairly formal and not used in casual conversation often.
- What is the difference between connoisseurship and taste?
- Taste is wider and simpler. Connoisseurship means informed, expert taste.
- Can I use connoisseurship in business writing?
- Yes, but mainly in writing about art, luxury goods, food, or culture.
- Is connoisseurship positive?
- Yes. It usually praises someone's careful, expert judgment.