Expert
person with broad and profound competence in a particular field
An expert is an individual recognized as a reliable source of knowledge or skill in a particular field. An expert’s corresponding ability or expertise is, mostly, based on his/her credential, training, education, profession, publication or experience. Historically, an expert was referred to as a wise old man. Such individual was usually a profound intellectual distinguished for wisdom and sound judgment.[1] In law, an expert witness may contribute specialized knowledge of a field.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Becker_von%2C_Adolf_-_The_Art_Expert_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg/220px-Becker_von%2C_Adolf_-_The_Art_Expert_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Koelner_Dom_-_Bayernfenster_10.jpg/250px-Koelner_Dom_-_Bayernfenster_10.jpg)
Someone who is not an expert may be called a beginner or a novice if they are new to that field.