A young person whose ability in a field is exceptionally advanced.
Reach for it when describing remarkable early talent while keeping age central to the meaning
The chess prodigy spent equal time studying endgames and encouraging beginners.
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| everyday |
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| warm | |
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playful
phenom
Fits when in informal sports or entertainment coverage of a standout newcomer
Careful Phenom is journalistic slang; reporters also use it for exceptional adults.
everyday
child genius
Fits when extraordinary intellectual ability appears in childhood
Careful Child genius is a stronger claim and does not suit every skilled young performer.
warm
gifted youngster
Fits if respectful plain language suits an educational setting
Careful Gifted youngster is gentler but less precise about the rarity of the achievement.
professional
Fits when promising ability matters without making an exceptional claim
Careful Talent can name an adult, a young person, or the ability rather than its possessor.
formal
young virtuoso
Suits an unusually accomplished youthful musician or performer
Careful Virtuoso is most natural in performance disciplines and stresses technical command.
literary
Suits a strikingly successful young talent, often in public life or the arts
Careful Wunderkind can sound showy and may emphasize fame over actual mastery.
child prodigy
The child prodigy still joined ordinary ensemble rehearsals each week.
musical prodigy
A musical prodigy composed the suite at only twelve years old.
former prodigy
The former prodigy now campaigns for healthier expectations of young artists.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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