English vocabulary · B2
Precocious
/prɪˈkoʊ.ʃəs/ · adj.
It means more advanced than normal for one's age. A child who thinks and talks like an adult.
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Example sentences
- The precocious boy read university books at age eight.
- Her precocious talent for music surprised every teacher.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- pre — before (from Latin)
- coc — ripen (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- ADVANCED — further than expected (Ahead of the normal level)
- GIFTED — unusually talented (With special natural talent)
- MATURE — developed beyond one's age (Thinking like an older person)
Words with the same root
coc — ripen
- cook — to apply heat; to prepare food
- concoct — to combine things to make something new
- apricot — a fruit named for ripening early
Lesson notes
Precocious. It means more advanced than normal for one's age. A child who thinks and talks like an adult.
Similar words are advanced, gifted, and mature. Use precocious when a child shows skills that are too early for their age.
The precocious boy read university books at age eight. Her precocious talent for music surprised every teacher.
From Latin. Pre- means before. Coc- means ripen. A fruit that ripens before its time — that child is precocious.