Definition

1. 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

1. an impressive or wonderful example of a particular quality
   • the Marines are expected to perform prodigies of valor
2. a sign of something about to happen
   • he looked for an omen before going into battle
3. an unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration
   • she is a chess prodigy