talent
n. an innate skill or ability, or an aptitude to excel in one or more specific activities or subject areas. Talent cannot be accounted for by normal development patterns and is often not maximized, as its nurturance requires time, energy, sacrifice, dedication, and resources from parents, mentors, and the talented person. Ideal circumstances for the development of a talent include enjoyment of the talent for its own sake and a clear perception of how it can be exploited to fulfill the individual’s long-term aspirations. —talented
adj.