Wunderkind: meaning, definitions and examples

🌟
Add to dictionary

wunderkind

 

[ˈvʊndərkɪnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

child prodigy

A wunderkind is a person who achieves great success or acclaim at a young age. They are typically highly talented or gifted in a particular field, such as music, art, science, or mathematics. Wunderkinds often display exceptional abilities that set them apart from their peers.

Synonyms

genius, prodigy, virtuoso, whiz kid, wiz.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
wunderkind

Used to describe a young person who is very successful or talented in a particular field, often in business or music.

  • The wunderkind of Silicon Valley has launched another groundbreaking startup.
  • She's the wunderkind who composed symphonies by the age of 10.
prodigy

Describes a young person with exceptional talents or abilities, often in fields like music, mathematics, or science.

  • Mozart was a musical prodigy, composing his first pieces at the age of five.
  • The math prodigy solved complex equations that baffled experienced mathematicians.
genius

Refers to someone with exceptional intellectual or creative power, broader than prodigy, and not limited by age.

  • Albert Einstein is universally recognized as a genius for his contributions to physics.
  • Her genius in mathematics is evident from her groundbreaking research.
whiz kid

A colloquial term for a young person who is very clever and successful, especially in technology or business.

  • The whiz kid from the IT department fixed the system in no time.
  • At just 22, she's already a whiz kid in the world of finance.
wiz

An informal term to describe someone who is very good at something, often used with a specific task or field.

  • He's a computer wiz who can solve any tech problem.
  • She's a math wiz and helps her classmates with their homework.
virtuoso

Typically used to describe someone who has exceptional skill in the arts, particularly music or performance.

  • The violinist was a true virtuoso, captivating audiences with her performances.
  • His virtuoso guitar solos are legendary in the rock music scene.

Examples of usage

  • He was considered a wunderkind in the world of classical music, composing symphonies at the age of 10.
  • The young artist was hailed as a wunderkind for her remarkable paintings that rivaled those of seasoned professionals.
  • The tech industry was abuzz with news of the latest wunderkind who had developed a groundbreaking new software at just 16 years old.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from German, where 'wunder' means wonder and 'kind' means child.
  • It began to be used in English around the late 19th century to describe gifted children.
  • Notably, the word highlights both talent and youth.

Pop Culture

  • Wunderkind has been used to describe various prodigies in music and arts, like Mozart and Billie Eilish.
  • The term appears in popular films and literature, often portraying young genius characters.
  • Often associated with stories of extraordinary achievement, highlighting the pressures faced by talented youth.

Historical Context

  • The concept of the child prodigy has existed throughout history, with notable examples in various fields.
  • In the arts, young achievers often faced skepticism about their skills, which only intensified their drive to prove themselves.
  • Cultural dynamics can change how societies perceive child prodigies, making some celebrated and others neglected.

Psychology

  • Child prodigies often exhibit intense focus and passion in their area of expertise, leading to unique developmental paths.
  • Research shows that prodigious talent can come with mental health challenges due to high expectations.
  • The phenomenon often raises questions about balanced childhood experiences versus early specialization.

Translations

Translations of the word "wunderkind" in other languages:

🇵🇹 menino prodígio

🇮🇳 वंडरकिंड

🇩🇪 Wunderkind

🇮🇩 anak ajaib

🇺🇦 вундеркінд

🇵🇱 cudowne dziecko

🇯🇵 神童

🇫🇷 enfant prodige

🇪🇸 niño prodigio

🇹🇷 harika çocuk

🇰🇷 신동

🇸🇦 طفل معجزة

🇨🇿 zázračné dítě

🇸🇰 zázračné dieťa

🇨🇳 神童

🇸🇮 čudežni otrok

🇮🇸 undrabarn

🇰🇿 ғажайып бала

🇬🇪 საოცარი ბავშვი

🇦🇿 möcüzə uşaq

🇲🇽 niño prodigio

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,251, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.