What does "prodigy" mean?
An extraordinary occurrence or creature; an anomaly, especially a monster; a freak.
Prodigy
/ˈpɹɒdɪd͡ʒi/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An extraordinary occurrence or creature; an anomaly, especially a monster; a freak.
- Grammar: prodigy is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: a per se, aberration, abnormality, ace.
- Useful contrasts: average person, common occurrence, mediocrity.
- Usage evidence: In elementary school, I was a prodigy and I was mostly the first or second best student in my class.
How to use "prodigy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "prodigy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "prodigy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "prodigy" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "prodigy" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "prodigy" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "a per se" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "prodigy", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An extraordinary occurrence or creature; an anomaly, especially a monster; a freak.
- 2 an impressive or wonderful example of a particular quality wordnet
- 3 An amazing or marvellous thing; a wonder.
"He is never chased; he would run away with rope-walks of line. Prodigies are told of him."
- 4 a sign of something about to happen wordnet
- 5 A wonderful example of something.
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 an unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration wordnet
- 7 An extremely talented person, especially a child.
- 8 An extraordinary thing seen as an omen; a portent. archaic
"These on the farther bank now stood and gazed, / By Heaven alarm’d, by prodigies amazed: / A signal omen stopp’d the passing host, / Their martial fury in their wonder lost."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"In elementary school, I was a prodigy and I was mostly the first or second best student in my class."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "prodigy"?
Common synonyms include: a per se, aberration, abnormality, ace, amazement, anomaly.
How do you use "prodigy" in a sentence?
In elementary school, I was a prodigy and I was mostly the first or second best student in my class.
How do you pronounce "prodigy"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹɒdɪd͡ʒi/.
Etymology
From Middle English prodige (“portent”), from Latin prōdigium (“omen, portent, prophetic sign”).