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Differences among words describing someone who is expert in many things

I just wondered, what could we call a person with deep knowledge in various fields? For example, computers, music, sports, etc.

I think I could use sage, but it wouldn't be appropriate if someone is experienced in multiple fields.

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Vijin Paulraj
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I guess they could be called a polymath or renaissance man as defined here.

Vidya Murthy
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  • There were serious reservations to renaissance man, in a reply to another question earlier. – Kris Feb 15 '12 at 08:41
  • polymath is the word used usually, +1 for that. For those curious about the 'math', let us clarify here math means knowledge in general, which perfectly fits. Renaissance man may have many artistic skills also, which I am not sure whether goes along. – karthik Feb 15 '12 at 09:35
  • @Kris could you link to that question? – callum Feb 15 '12 at 11:13
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  • copy the phrase and paste it in the search box. Voila! 2. For the quintessential slacker: http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/54580/differences-among-words-describing-someone-who-is-expert-in-many-things
    • – Kris Feb 15 '12 at 11:48
  • @Kris, point taken for the meaning "Renaissance" based on the comment there. – Vidya Murthy Feb 15 '12 at 12:09
  • I am voting mainly for renaissance man, since polymath is not widely understood correctly (in the US). I don't think most people would automatically include computer expertise in their mental image of a renaissance man, but could if given context. – Julia Feb 15 '12 at 17:19