However, the connection isn't straightforward. "Genus" originally meant "kind" or "type" in Latin, and was used to refer to a class of things with shared characteristics.
The term "genius" evolved from this concept over time. The Romans believed that each person had a "genius" - a kind of spirit or guardian that guided them, often associated with their family or lineage. Eventually, this idea of "genius" expanded to refer to an individual's innate talent or ability, which is how we understand it today.
So, while "genus" is the root word, it's important to understand the nuanced historical development of "genius" to fully grasp its meaning.