Miracle vs. Prodigy — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 12, 2023
A "Miracle" is a supernatural event defying natural laws, while a "Prodigy" is a person, especially a young one, with exceptional talents or abilities.
Difference Between Miracle and Prodigy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A "Miracle" primarily refers to an extraordinary event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws and is thus attributed to a divine agency. On the other hand, a "Prodigy" typically refers to a person, especially a younger individual, who exhibits exceptional talents or abilities beyond their years.
For believers, a "Miracle" might be seen as a sign or intervention from a higher power or deity, affirming faith or providing guidance. These are often considered divine blessings or proof of the divine's existence. Contrarily, a "Prodigy" is a naturally occurring phenomenon where an individual shows early expertise or aptitude in a particular area, like music, mathematics, or sports.
When people encounter events they can't explain, like miraculous healings or unbelievable coincidences, they might attribute it to a "Miracle", seeing it as something beyond the realm of human understanding. In contrast, when a child plays a complicated musical piece perfectly or displays profound understanding in a particular subject, they are termed a "Prodigy".
In essence, while both "Miracle" and "Prodigy" denote something exceptional, the former leans more toward the inexplicable and divine, whereas the latter describes outstanding human capability, typically evident from a young age.
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Supernatural event defying natural laws
Person with exceptional talents
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Common Usage
Religion, faith
Talent, expertise
Example
The parting of the Red Sea was a miracle.
Mozart was a musical prodigy.
Contextual Connotation
Divine intervention
Natural talent or skill
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
Compare with Definitions
Miracle
Supernatural event.
People believed the sudden rain in the drought-stricken area was a miracle.
Prodigy
Remarkable event or thing.
The comet's appearance was seen as a prodigy by many.
Miracle
Marvelous example.
The ancient pyramids are miracles of engineering.
Prodigy
Phenomenon that arouses amazement.
His mathematical skills are a prodigy to behold.
Miracle
Act of divine intervention.
Healing the blind man was seen as a miracle by Jesus.
Prodigy
Early indication.
His early drawings were a prodigy of his artistic talent.
Miracle
Remarkable occurrence.
It's a miracle how they managed to survive the accident.
Prodigy
Young person with exceptional talents.
She was a prodigy in violin, playing at concerts by age 8.
Miracle
A miracle is an event that seems inexplicable by natural or scientific laws. In various religions, a phenomenon that is characterized as miraculous is often attributed to the actions of a supernatural being (especially a deity), magic, a miracle worker, a saint, or a religious leader.
Prodigy
Portent resulting from a natural event.
The lunar eclipse was seen as a prodigy of significant events to come.
Miracle
An event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God.
Prodigy
A person with exceptional talents or powers
A math prodigy.
Miracle
One that excites admiring awe; a wonderful or amazing event, act, person, or thing.
Prodigy
An act or event so extraordinary or rare as to inspire wonder
"The Spies performed prodigies of activity in clambering over the rooftops and cutting the streamers that fluttered from the chimneys" (George Orwell).
Miracle
A miracle play.
Prodigy
(Archaic) A portentous sign or event; an omen.
Miracle
An event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin.
Many religious beliefs are based on miracles.
An example of a miracle associated with Muhammad is the splitting of the moon.
Prodigy
An extraordinary thing seen as an omen; a portent.
Miracle
A fortunate outcome that prevails despite overwhelming odds against it.
Prodigy
An extraordinary occurrence or creature; an anomaly, especially a monster; a freak.
Miracle
An awesome and exceptional example of something
Prodigy
An amazing or marvellous thing; a wonder.
Miracle
(transitive) To affect by a miracle; to work a miracle upon.
Prodigy
A wonderful example of something.
Miracle
A wonder or wonderful thing.
That miracle and queen of genus.
Prodigy
An extremely talented person, especially a child.
Miracle
An event or effect contrary to the established constitution and course of things, or a deviation from the known laws of nature; a supernatural event, or one transcending the ordinary laws by which the universe is governed.
They considered not the miracle of the loaves.
Prodigy
Something extraordinary, or out of the usual course of nature, from which omens are drawn; a portent; as, eclipses and meteors were anciently deemed prodigies.
So many terrors, voices, prodigies,May warn thee, as a sure foregoing sign.
Miracle
A miracle play.
Prodigy
Anything so extraordinary as to excite wonder or astonishment; a marvel; as, a prodigy of learning.
Miracle
A story or legend abounding in miracles.
When said was all this miracle.
Prodigy
A production out of ordinary course of nature; an abnormal development; a monster.
Miracle
To make wonderful.
Prodigy
An unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration;
She is a chess prodigy
Miracle
Any amazing or wonderful occurrence
Prodigy
A sign of something about to happen;
He looked for an omen before going into battle
Miracle
A marvellous event manifesting a supernatural act of God
Prodigy
An impressive or wonderful example of a particular quality;
The Marines are expected to perform prodigies of valor
Miracle
Unexpected good fortune.
It's a miracle she found her lost ring in the sand.
Common Curiosities
Can someone be a "Prodigy" in multiple fields?
Yes, though it's rare, someone can be a prodigy in multiple areas.
Are all unexplained events "Miracles"?
Not necessarily. Miracles are specifically seen as acts of divine agency.
Is a "Prodigy" always young?
Typically, but not always. It often refers to young individuals with exceptional skills.
Can science explain every "Miracle"?
Some might argue no, as miracles are seen as beyond natural laws.
Is every "Miracle" always positive?
Typically, but perceptions can vary based on belief systems.
Does being a "Prodigy" guarantee success in life?
No, while they have exceptional skills, success depends on various factors.
What is a "Miracle" in religious terms?
It's a supernatural event attributed to divine intervention.
Can anyone perform a "Miracle"?
By definition, miracles are seen as divine acts, not human-made.
Can a person be both a "Miracle" and a "Prodigy"?
Yes, if they're seen as a divine blessing and also have exceptional skills.
Are prodigies always naturally talented?
While they have innate abilities, training and environment play roles too.
How can I differentiate between a "Miracle" and a "Prodigy"?
Think of "Miracle" as divine and supernatural, and "Prodigy" as exceptional human talent.
What might a musical "Prodigy" showcase?
Exceptional talent in playing instruments or composing at a young age.
Do all religions believe in "Miracles"?
Many do, though the interpretations and types of miracles vary.
Can a "Miracle" be a negative event?
Typically, they're seen as positive, but perceptions can vary.
How early can a "Prodigy" show signs of their talent?
It varies, but many show signs as early as toddlerhood.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
