# precocious

/pɹiˈkoʊʃəs/ (US) · /pɹɪkˈəʊʃəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/precocious
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.