Precocious, per its definition, describes a child in a positive light. But in practice, many tend to use it in a negative way, and I feel the negative connotation outweighs the positive. So even when you say 'precocious talent', it sounds like you're saying it out of spite.
Is precocious a bad word?
Precocious, per its definition, describes a child in a positive light. But in practice, many tend to use it in a negative way, and I feel the negative connotation outweighs the positive.
Is precocious talent a positive or negative word?
Precocious, per its definition, describes a child in a positive light. But in practice, many tend to use it in a negative way, and I feel the negative connotation outweighs the positive. So even when you say 'precocious talent', it sounds like you're saying it out of spite. Here are some opinions online that echoes what I am saying:
What is the difference between'precocious'and'gifted'?
The current buzzword, adopted perhaps to counter the frequent derogation behind 'precocious', is 'gifted': Endowed with great natural ability, intelligence, or talent: a gifted child; a gifted pianist. [gifted. (n.d.) American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2011).
Is precocious a derogatory term?
Senior Member. In my experience, precocious is not derogatory at all. If anything, describing a child as "precocious" is generally a compliment.
What is a precocious person?
precocious \prih-KOH-shus\ adjective. 1 : exceptionally early in development or occurrence. 2 : exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age.
Does precocious mean intelligent?
A precocious child is often one who exhibits early talents or intelligence beyond their age. The mental development of a child and their faculties is advanced in a child that is precocious.
How do you use the word precocious?
He is an alert and precocious child. A boy of 12 may not be sharp; he may not be precocious; he may make a very poor show before a number of older men. He began etching aged 14, copying his precocious brother's drawings. She is a precocious child, wise beyond her years, but still internally conflicted.
Is a precocious child?
A precocious child is very clever, mature, or good at something, often in a way that you usually only expect to find in an adult. Margaret was always a precocious child. She burst on to the world tennis scene as a precocious 14-year-old.
What is the synonym of precocious?
advanced, old beyond one's years, forward, ahead of one's peers, mature, prematurely developed, ahead, gifted, talented, clever, intelligent, quick. informal smart.
Is precocious a good thing?
Precocious, per its definition, describes a child in a positive light. But in practice, many tend to use it in a negative way, and I feel the negative connotation outweighs the positive. So even when you say 'precocious talent', it sounds like you're saying it out of spite.
What does precocious mean in psychology?
very early, often premature, development of physical or mental functions and characteristics. —precocious adj.
What is a precocious toddler?
A truly precocious child is one whose mental superiority is well rounded and whose precocity is not merely confined to a single, special gift. The physical development of some children is unusually rapid and the advent of puberty much earlier than average.
What do you call someone who is always early?
We call those types punctual. They'll check their watch when you arrive three minutes late. The word punctual originates from the Latin word punctualis, which means “a point.” To be punctual, you have to arrive at the right point in time. For your appointment.
Is ostentatious a negative word?
People and things described as ostentatious seem to have put themselves on display; they are practically begging to be looked at. The word is not compliment. Ostentatious is often applied to buildings that can also be described as luxurious—mansions, fancy high-rises, huge houses with marble columns.
Who would more likely be considered precocious?
When pre (meaning "before") joins coquere (meaning "to ripen"), you have something that is ripening prematurely. And in the case of precocious, you are usually describing young people who have some adult-like quality about them.
What does "precocious" mean?
English Language Learners Definition of precocious. of a child : having or showing the qualities or abilities of an adult at an unusually early age. See the full definition for precocious in the English Language Learners Dictionary.
When did the word "precocious" start being used?
By the 1670s , "precocious" was also being used to describe humans who developed skills or talents before others typically did.
What does it mean to be precocious?
2. Precocious, per its definition, describes a child in a positive light. But in practice, many tend to use it in a negative way, and I feel the negative connotation outweighs the positive. So even when you say 'precocious talent', it sounds like you're saying it out of spite.
Is "precocious" a negative connotation?
In my experience, which has involved a lot of reading of British and American literature, as well as being frequently described while growing up as one of them, a precocious child, the use of 'precocious' is balanced between negative and positive connotations, with the scales tipped toward positive.
What does "precocious" mean in Latin?
They're both precocious — meaning they're way beyond their years in skill or knowledge. When you look at the Latin roots of precocious, it all makes sense. When pre (meaning "before") joins coquere (meaning "to ripen"), you have something that is ripening prematurely.
What is the definition of a precocious child?
characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude) “a precocious child”. “a precocious achievement”. Synonyms: intelligent. having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree. advanced. farther along in physical or mental development.
What is the definition of slow?
relatively slow in mental or emotional or physical development. stupid, unintelligent. lacking intelligence. backward, feebleminded, half-witted, slow-witted. retarded in intellectual development. idiotic, imbecile, imbecilic. having a mental age of three to seven years. moronic.
