precocious
What does "precocious" mean?
Precocious describes a child who shows qualities, skills, or wisdom typically associated with someone much older. The mental image is of a young child speaking with the vocabulary of an adult or mastering a complex instrument while their peers are still learning basic coordination. It is generally used in a positive or neutral sense to denote intelligence or talent, though it can occasionally imply that a child seems "too mature" or is trying to grow up too fast. It is a formal term, often found in educational settings or biographical descriptions rather than casual conversation.
"precocious" in conversation
Discussing a gifted student
Little Leo is quite precocious; he’s already reading poetry during recess.
Little Leo is quite precocious; he’s already reading poetry during recess.
I worry he might get bored in a standard classroom.
I worry he might get bored in a standard classroom.
Used to highlight intellectual advancement beyond one's age.
Watching a child prodigy
Did you hear that ten-year-old play Mozart?
Did you hear that ten-year-old play Mozart?
Yes, his talent is truly precocious.
Yes, his talent is truly precocious.
Used to describe a specific skill level that is ahead of the curve.
"precocious" in a sentence
The precocious child surprised everyone with his insightful question.
The precocious child surprised everyone with his insightful question.
Her precocious talent for mathematics led her to university classes at age twelve.
Her precocious talent for mathematics led her to university classes at age twelve.
While his precocious development made him stand out, he often struggled to relate to children his own age.
While his precocious development made him stand out, he often struggled to relate to children his own age.
