What does prodigy mean?
A prodigy is a person of exceptional talent or ability, especially a child or young person whose achievements are remarkable for their age. The word is commonly associated with exceptional performance in music, mathematics, chess, or another demanding field. “Child prodigy” is its most familiar expression, while related phrases such as “musical prodigy” and “mathematical prodigy” specify the area of talent. In modern use, the term generally refers to a person, but it can also describe an extraordinary natural phenomenon or achievement. The word carries a sense of admiration and wonder, although it may sometimes imply intense early publicity or pressure. Historically, “prodigy” could mean a portent or omen. Its modern sense developed from the idea of something so extraordinary that it seemed to surpass ordinary expectations.
nounA person of exceptional talent or ability, especially a child or young person whose accomplishments are remarkable for their age. The word can also refer more broadly to an extraordinary natural phenomenon or achievement.
- A person of exceptional talent, especially a young person who performs with remarkable ability.
- An extraordinary or remarkable achievement, phenomenon, or natural event.
"The young violinist was regarded as a musical prodigy from the age of six."
"She was a child prodigy who composed her first symphony before she was twelve."
"The unusually intense storm was treated as a natural prodigy by researchers."
The usual plural, as in “a family of musical prodigies.”
"Several young prodigies have competed in the international tournament."
Before it meant a gifted person, “prodigy” could mean a portent or extraordinary natural event whose significance was not understood.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prodigy come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Latin prodigium, meaning “omen” or “portent,” associated with the Latin verb prodigere, “to put forth” or “to announce.” Latin also developed prodigiosus, meaning “marvellous” or “extraordinary,” from the same root. Over time, English shifted from referring to a portent or extraordinary event to describing a person of exceptional ability.
Related word forms
How prodigy is actually used
In contemporary usage, “prodigy” most often refers to an exceptionally gifted young person and can carry a slight suggestion of celebrity or early acclaim. It is sometimes used figuratively for an extraordinary achievement or phenomenon.
Easily confused with prodigy
A prodigy is a person of exceptional ability, whereas prodigious is an adjective meaning exceptionally great or remarkable in scale.