1
Core quality
Developing particular abilities or maturity at an earlier age than usual.
Example
The precocious child was reading complex novels by age six.
precocious
/prɪˈkəʊʃəs/ · pri-KOH-shusadjective
Developing particular abilities or maturity at an earlier age than usual.
Use precocious to express this relationship precisely: developing particular abilities or maturity at an earlier age than usual.
What precocious Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
A precocious composer, she published her first work at twelve.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
His precocious mathematical ability attracted university mentors while he was still in school.
Use precocious Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The precocious child was reading complex novels by age six.
A precocious composer, she published her first work at twelve.
His precocious mathematical ability attracted university mentors while he was still in school.
Precision Matters
Precocious overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
precocious
vs.Means developing particular abilities or maturity at an earlier age than usual.
prescient
Means showing accurate knowledge of events before they happen.
precocious
vs.Means developing particular abilities or maturity at an earlier age than usual.
innovative
Means introducing or using new ideas, methods, or materials.
precocious
vs.Means developing particular abilities or maturity at an earlier age than usual.
rudimentary
Means basic or elementary.
precocious
vs.Means developing particular abilities or maturity at an earlier age than usual.
nascent
Means just beginning to exist, form, or develop.
Test precocious in Context
Her abilities developed far earlier than is usual.
1
The biography portrays the scientist as ___: she designed working instruments before her tenth birthday.