prodigy
/prodigy/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An impressive or wonderful example of a particular quality: A remarkable or extraordinary instance that demonstrates a specific attribute to an astonishing degree.
- A sign or omen of something about to happen: An event or phenomenon interpreted as a portent of a future occurrence.
- An unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; a person, especially a young one, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities that inspire wonder and admiration.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The engineers accomplished prodigies of innovation to solve the crisis. (Here, 'prodigies' refers to remarkable feats of engineering.)
- Ancient cultures often saw comets as prodigies foretelling great change. (Here, 'prodigies' refers to omens or portents.)
- Mozart was a musical prodigy, composing complex pieces as a young child. (Here, 'prodigy' refers to a person with exceptional, early talent.)
Advanced Usage
- "child prodigy" / "infant prodigy": A specific term for a young child who exhibits extraordinary ability or talent in a particular field.
- The eight-year-old mathematician was hailed as a child prodigy.
- "prodigy of nature": Used to describe something in the natural world that is extraordinarily impressive or rare.
- The giant sequoia is a true prodigy of nature.
Variants and Related Words
- Prodigious (adj): Remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree. Often used to describe the abilities or achievements of a prodigy.
- She made a prodigious effort to finish the project.
- Prodigiously (adv): In a prodigious manner.
- The young artist was prodigiously talented.
Synonyms
- Genius: Exceptional intellectual or creative power. (Note: 'Genius' can refer to the exceptional ability itself or the person, while 'prodigy' strongly implies youth.)
- Wunderkind: (From German) A person who achieves great success at a young age.
- Phenomenon: A remarkable person or thing.
- Marvel: A wonderful or astonishing person or thing.
- Portent: A sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen. (Synonym for the 'omen' sense.)
Idioms and Common Phrases
- "A prodigy in the making": Used to describe a young person who shows clear signs of developing into a prodigy.
- With her dedication, she is a prodigy in the making.
- "To perform/achieve prodigies": To accomplish remarkable and astonishing feats.
- The team was asked to perform prodigies with a very limited budget.
Noun
- an impressive or wonderful example of a particular quality
- the Marines are expected to perform prodigies of valor
- a sign of something about to happen
- he looked for an omen before going into battle
- an unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration
- she is a chess prodigy