Word
precocious
Phoneticspre·co·cious, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹiˈkoʊʃəs/
UK/pɹɪkˈəʊʃəs/
Definition
adj. having or showing more knowledge, skill, or maturity than people of your age usually have. You use this to describe a child who is very smart or an adult who acts younger than they are.
adj. possessing or exhibiting advanced knowledge, skill, or maturity beyond what is typical for one's age. Often used to describe children with exceptional intellectual development or adults who display childlike behavior.
Examples
“The precocious child could read at a very young age.”
“Her precocious nature allowed her to grasp complex scientific concepts that most of her peers found difficult.”
“While some critics dismissed his precocious style as a mere imitation of older masters, others argued it represented a genuine breakthrough in modern art.”
Examples
simple
“The precocious child could read at a very young age.”
contextual
“Her precocious nature allowed her to grasp complex scientific concepts that most of her peers found difficult.”
complex
“While some critics dismissed his precocious style as a mere imitation of older masters, others argued it represented a genuine breakthrough in modern art.”
Real-World Examples
“Teens who drink alcohol, take drugs and engage in precocious romantic behaviour are more likely to be considered popular – at least for a time.” “As a precocious child in the 1990s, he became a voracious sci-fi reader.” “Over time, Gozo emerged as an option at right wing-back offering precocious confidence on the ball, capping his first full season with RSL with four goals and three assists in 1,810 minutes.” “When Anselm discovered his proof, he was still a precocious young monk in the quiet of a monastery.” Etymology
From Latin praecox (“premature, precocious, ripe before time, early ripe”), from praecoquō (“to ripen beforehand, ripen fully, also boil beforehand”), from prae (“before”) + coquō (“to cook, boil, ripen”). Doublet of apricot.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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