book smart
Pronunciation
/bˈʊk smˈɑːɹt/
British pronunciation
/bˈʊk smˈɑːt/
booksmart

Definition & Meaning of "book smart"in English

Book smart
01

an educated person who has extensive knowledge on a subject through reading and studying

book smart definition and meaning
IdiomIdiom

What is the origin of the idiom "book smart" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the term "book smart" is unclear, but it emerged as a colloquial expression to describe individuals who excel academically or possess extensive theoretical knowledge. The phrase likely emerged as a way to distinguish between different types of intelligence or knowledge, highlighting the distinction between theoretical knowledge gained from books and practical knowledge gained through experience or other means. The term gained popularity over time as a shorthand way to describe someone who performs well in academic settings but may not necessarily possess the same level of practical skills or street smarts.

example
Examples
In the trivia competition, John 's book smarts paid off. He answered questions confidently and accurately, showcasing his extensive knowledge.
James is known for his booksmarts. He always has his nose in a book and can provide detailed explanations on a wide range of topics.
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