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precocious
IPA:

Dictionary definition of precocious
Showing mental development or achievement at an exceptionally early age.
"From a very early age she displayed a precocious talent for music."
Detailed meaning of precocious
It can be used to describe a child who is especially advanced or talented in a particular area, or who behaves in a mature or responsible way at an age when most children do not. The term can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who is unusually advanced or talented for their age, or who displays abilities or characteristics that are typically associated with a more experienced or mature person.
Example sentences containing precocious
1. He sold his first software program at the precocious age of twelve.
2. He shows a precocious interest in reading academic books.
3. She was always a precocious child, ahead of her peers.
4. He was a precocious child, winning a place at university at the age of fifteen.
5. That child is far too precocious for his own good.
6. The young girl was precocious, reading at a college level by the age of six.
History and etymology of precocious
The adjective 'precocious' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'praecox,' which means 'early ripening' or 'premature.' The term 'praecox' is a combination of 'prae' (meaning 'before') and 'coquere' (meaning 'to ripen' or 'to cook'). In its original Latin form, 'praecox' was used to describe fruits or plants that ripened earlier than expected. Over time, the term transitioned into English with the meaning of showing mental development or achievement at an exceptionally early age. 'Precocious' underscores the notion of early development and the display of advanced abilities or talents before the typical age of attainment. Therefore, the etymology of 'precocious' highlights its use as an adjective to describe individuals who exhibit remarkable intellectual or skill development at an unusually young age.
Further usage examples of precocious
1. He was a precocious child, always asking questions and seeking to understand the world around him.
2. She was a precocious talent, showing an aptitude for music and art at a very young age.
3. The precocious student skipped two grades and graduated high school at the age of 16.
4. He was a precocious reader, devouring books at an advanced level from a very young age.
5. She was a precocious writer, publishing her first novel at the age of 22.
6. The precocious athlete was already competing at a professional level by the age of 18.
7. He was a precocious scientist, making groundbreaking discoveries at a young age.
8. She was a precocious performer, winning awards and accolades for her acting and singing at a very young age.
9. The precocious child was always ahead of his peers in terms of development and understanding.
10. She was a precocious learner, always seeking out new knowledge and experiences.
11. The precocious teenager was already running his own business by the age of 20.
12. The precocious child started reading novels before kindergarten.
13. Her precocious talent for music astonished everyone.
14. He displayed a precocious understanding of complex scientific concepts.
15. The precocious teenager graduated high school at 14.
16. A precocious entrepreneur, he founded his first company at 16.
17. The precocious artist's work was exhibited in prestigious galleries.
18. The precocious mathematician solved advanced problems effortlessly.
19. The precocious chess prodigy defeated grandmasters twice his age.
20. Her precocious wit and humor charmed audiences of all ages.
21. The precocious scientist published research papers in high school.
22. The prodigious pianist's precocious performances astounded critics.
23. The precocious athlete broke records before reaching adulthood.
24. The precocious poet's verses revealed wisdom beyond her years.
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Prefix pre-, GRE 5 (Graduate Record Examination), Seduction and Allure, Education and Mastery
clever,gifted,intelligent,premature,smart,talented
advanced,ahead,bright,mature
Synonyms for precocious
Quiz categories containing precocious
advanced, delayed, underdeveloped, immature
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