prodigy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prodigy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person, often a child or young adult, who is exceptionally talented or precocious in a particular field, such as music, mathematics, or sports. Example: "At just ten years old, she was already recognized as a musical prodigy, captivating audiences with her piano performances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He then moved on to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he was a noted prodigy, before moving back to Paris to finally become director of the school where we are now sitting.

The Guardian - Books

The Soloist (2009) Foxx brought his classical training to bear on his role as Nathaniel Ayers, a real-life musical prodigy whose career is derailed by schizophrenia.

The Guardian - Film

Billy Elliot, the film about the ballet prodigy, was shot there – partly at the club.

The Guardian

This lets him showcase his excellent analytical skills, particularly when it comes to music: his discussion of Erich Korngold, a composing prodigy who grew rich and famous writing rather saccharine film scores, is especially insightful.

The Economist

Mr Castro has been a label-defying prodigy since he was elected mayor of San Antonio, the second-most-populous city in Texas, in 2009.

The Economist

It is surprising that chess has not fallen foul of the censors.Related topics Games Chess Culture and lifestyle Hobbies and pastimesOn a liner from FranceGisela Gresser came to chess in her 30s, late for someone who turned out to be a prodigy.

The Economist

Mr Wolfram, a British-born prodigy who published his first scientific paper at 15, won a MacArthur genius grant at 21 and then made a fortune in the software business, exercised total control over the project.

The Economist

Nathalie Tzourio-Mazoyer at the University of Caen, in France, and her colleagues, measured the brain activity of a maths prodigy as he performed some feats of arithmetical acrobatics.

The Economist

Liszt, himself a piano prodigy, also adored Grieg's concerto.

The Economist

When Paul Morphy, an American chess prodigy, crossed the Atlantic in the mid-19th century to challenge Howard Staunton, the English Shakespearean scholar then acknowledged as world champion invented fantastic excuses to avoid an encounter.

The Economist

Upon seeing the resultant painting, Nev becomes convinced that Abby is an artistic prodigy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prodigy", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific area of exceptional skill or talent. For example, "a chess prodigy" or "a mathematical prodigy".

Common error

Avoid using "prodigy" to describe someone who is simply very good at something; it should be reserved for individuals with truly exceptional and precocious talent.

Linguistic Context

The word "prodigy" functions primarily as a noun, denoting an exceptionally talented person, especially a child. This is supported by Ludwig AI, and exemplified in sentences describing a "musical prodigy" or a "math prodigy".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "prodigy" is a frequently used noun to describe an exceptionally talented person, particularly a child. As per Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage is common across various contexts, including News & Media and Encyclopedias. While "prodigy" is appropriate for general and neutral contexts, consider alternatives like "genius" or "wunderkind" for nuances in meaning. Remember to use "prodigy" when describing a truly outstanding talent, exceeding typical skill levels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wunderkind

Directly translates to "wonder child", emphasizing youth and early success, similar to "prodigy".

gifted individual

More general term, focuses on inherent talent rather than early achievement.

remarkable talent

Emphasizes the outstanding quality of the talent, without necessarily focusing on age.

talented person

Broader term emphasizing skill, without necessarily implying exceptional early development.

natural talent

Highlights innate ability rather than developed skill or early achievement.

genius

Implies a higher level of intellectual ability and originality.

rising star

Focuses on future potential and growing recognition rather than current achievement.

mastermind

Suggests exceptional intellect and strategic thinking, often in a specific field.

virtuoso

Specifically refers to someone with exceptional technical skill, especially in music or art.

expert

Indicates a high level of skill and knowledge acquired through experience and training.

FAQs

How to use "prodigy" in a sentence?

You can use "prodigy" to describe someone with exceptional talent or skill at a young age, such as "Mozart was a musical prodigy" or "She is considered a math prodigy in her school".

What can I say instead of "prodigy"?

You can use alternatives like "genius", "wunderkind", or "talented individual" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "child prodigy" or "prodigy child"?

"Child prodigy" is the correct and more common usage. It specifically describes a child with exceptional talent.

What's the difference between a "prodigy" and an "expert"?

A "prodigy" demonstrates exceptional talent at a young age, while an "expert" possesses a high level of skill and knowledge acquired through experience and training.