Guide 8 Text Completion Drill Set: Virtuoso vs Maven

[ayjayar]

I am going through the Drill Sets and occasionally find myself feeling like I was left with little insight into the nuances between some choices. For instance, page 57, #7, I knew the second blank, but was unsure on Maven or Virtuoso in the first. Dictionary definitions I came across elucidated very little.

For example: American Heritage Dictionary for English Language defines maven as

"A person who has special knowledge or experience; an expert."

Random House Kenerman Webster's College Dictionary has nearly the same definition for virtuoso:

"a person who has special knowledge or skill in a field."

American Heritage defines virtuoso as:

"1. ‌ A musician with masterly ability, technique, or personal style.
‌2. ‌ A person with masterly skill or technique in the arts.
‌3. ‌ A person with a strong interest in the fine arts, especially in antiquities."

Rereading the question in the drill set, it says "A perfectionist in all things, Joseph expected to immediately become _____ and was downtrodden indeed when he remained a _____ despite his best efforts.

"Despite his best efforts" the word would be something you strive for through practice or accumulation, whereas having a masterly skill or technique seems more innate.

I finally went to Wikipedia and found a possible difference.

A maven is supposedly an expert in a field and seeks to teach others, whereas a virtuoso shows outstanding ability in a particular field, especially arts. Maven also derives from Hebrew for a man who understands based on the accumulation of knowledge.

So, are these the most salient differences? Is there a nuance I'm missing?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[tommywallach]

Hey Ayjay,

Virtuoso refers to ability, whereas maven refers to knowledge. I agree with you, however, that certain dictionary definitions would allow either of these to fly. I do believe we're changing this question in future additions. HOWEVER, you can be a musical virtuoso if you can play really well. That would not make you a maven. So there is a difference there. : )

-t

[ayjayar]

Thanks for the help! That makes more sense :)

[tommywallach]

Glad to help! : )