Precocious Meaning and Definition
Precocious
Pronunciation
/prɪˈkɔʊʃəs/
Part of Speech
Descriptive word, adjective
Definition
A person or an occurrence showing an early or excessive development of physical or mental abilities; ahead of or beyond their normal age in growth or development.
Etymology
The word ‘precocious’ comes from the Latin ‘precocious,’ meaning ‘up in advance of,’ and ‘cous,’ meaning ‘birth.’ It was first used in the 15th century to describe a child who develops faster than others.
Examples
- Her son is so precocious, he’s already learning college-level math in elementary school.
- The child’s precocious curiosity led her to ask questions about scientific theories that even her teachers didn’t fully understand.
Synonyms
- Early
- Advanced
Antonyms
- Delayed
- Ordinary
Usage Notes
The word ‘precocious’ can be used to describe children, but it can also be used to describe pets or even inanimate objects that show an unusual level of development or skill.
Be careful not to confuse ‘precocious’ with ‘gifted,’ as they have different connotations. ‘Gifted’ implies a natural ability or talent, while ‘precocious’ emphasizes an unnatural or premature development.
Cultural References
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl: Charlie Bucket is a precocious child who wins a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
- The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein: The child Julie Andrews sings about being ‘ precocious Jenny every year
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- ‘A precocious child’: This phrase is used to describe a child who is unusually advanced or mature for their age.
- ‘Precocious years’: This phrase is used to describe the early years of childhood, when children are most vulnerable and in need of protection.
Related Words or Phrases
Prodigy, genius, talents, gifted, advanced, early.
Collocations
- ‘A precocious mind’
- ‘A gifted and precocious child’
- ‘Precocious talent’
Frequency of Use
The word ‘precocious’ is most commonly used in informal contexts, such as in conversations with friends or family. It’s also used in formal writing, such as in scientific and academic journals.
Common Misspellings
- prouscious
- precusious
- pricocious
Additional Information
Precocious children often have a natural inclination towards learning and exploring their surroundings. They may exhibit advanced language skills, mathematical abilities, or even exceptional creativity.
While being precocious can be an advantage, it can also put pressure on the child to maintain their advanced level of development, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Parents and caregivers must be sensitive to the child’s needs and provide them with a supportive environment that fosters their growth and development.
Precocious adults may exhibit similar characteristics, such as exceptional skills or knowledge in a particular area. However, they may also struggle with the pressures of maintaining their advanced level of development, which can lead to burnout and exhaustion.