Expert vs. Specialist vs. Authority vs. Connoisseur vs. Buff vs. Virtuoso

Expert vs. Specialist vs. Authority vs. Connoisseur vs. Buff vs. Virtuoso

Expert -someone who has a lot of knowledge about something or skill at doing something
a computer expert
an expert on beetles
It’s best to ask an expert.

Specialist -an expert who has studied a particular medical or technical subject for a long time and knows much more about it than other people
She is a specialist in corporate finance.
My doctor sent me to see a heart specialist.

Authority -an expert whose knowledge and
opinions are greatly respected
The professor is one of the world’s leading authorities on African art.

Connoisseur / ˌkɒnəˈsɜː $ ˌkɑːnəˈsɜːr / -an expert on food, art, literature, or design, who has had a lot of experience and knows when something is of very good quality
He was a connoisseur of fine wines.
His works are popular among connoisseurs.

Buff /bʌf/ informal -someone who is very interested in a subject and knows a lot about it
a wine buff
Jazz buffs will be familiar with the band’s first album.

Virtuoso / ˌvɜːtʃuˈəʊsəʊ $ ˌvɜːrtʃuˈoʊsoʊ / -an expert player or performer
The piece was played by violin virtuoso Pavel Sporcl.
a virtuoso pianist