genius

/ˈjēn-yəs/

Latin, tutelary spirit, natural inclinations, from gignere to beget

noun

  1. an attendant spirit of a person or place

  2. a person who influences another for good or bad

  3. a strong leaning or inclination : penchant

He has been accused of being his brother's evil genius.

gift faculty aptitude bent talent genius knack mean a special ability for doing something. gift often implies special favor by God or nature. faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

adjective

  1. showing or suggesting great cleverness, skill, or originality : brilliant

Remember how genius Henry Winkler was on Arrested Development?

noun

  1. the pervading spirit of a place

  2. a tutelary deity of a place