Precocious
mediumPositive tonepruh-KOH-shus
adjective
Definition
showing mature qualities at an unusually early age
Memory hook
PRECOCIOUS: think 'PRE-COOKED' — a child whose talents are ripened early, fully 'cooked' (coquere) ahead of schedule.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The precocious eight-year-old was already solving college-level math problems.”
“Her precocious talent for music earned her a scholarship before she finished high school.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ eight-year-old was already solving college-level math problems.”
Show answer
precocious
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Precocious is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "advanced" or "gifted" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "backward".
Related GRE Words
evolve
To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form
caustic
bitingly sarcastic or sharply critical (also chemically corrosive)
condone
to overlook, forgive, or tacitly approve of an offense
derivative
unoriginal; imitative of someone else's work
embryonic
In an early stage of development; rudimentary
emergent
In the process of coming into being or becoming prominent
Master precocious and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.