What does prodigy mean Meaning and Definition
What does prodigy mean
Pronunciation
/ˈprəʊdɪdʒi/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person, especially a young one, who exhibits exceptional talent or proficiency in a particular field or activity from an early age.
Examples
- The child prodigy began playing the piano at the age of three.
- The young athlete became a prodigy in the sport, winning numerous championships before the age of 18.
Synonyms
- Talent
- Savant
Antonyms
- Average
- Unskilled
Etymology
The word prodigy originates from the Latin words “prodigium,” meaning “ominary” or “wonder,” and is first recorded in English in the 15th century.
Usage Notes
The term prodigy is often used to describe a child or young person who shows exceptional ability or achievement, but it can also be applied to adults who have gained expertise in a particular field through dedication and hard work.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the term prodigy is often used to describe child performers, athletes, or artists who exhibit exceptional talent at a young age.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Child prodigy”
- “Prodigy in the making”
Related Words or Phrases
- Genius
- Talent scout
Collocations
- Prodigy in a particular field”
- “Child prodigy in music”
Frequency of Use
The term prodigy is used less frequently in everyday conversation, but is often used in educational or professional settings to describe exceptional students or performers.
Common Misspellings
Prodigy is often misspelled as “prodige” or “prodyggy.”