old soul

[ ohld sohl ]

noun

1. a person, especially a child or young person, who demonstrates a maturity, understanding, or seriousness that is typical of someone much older:

   Our daughter was always so thoughtful and solemn, even as a baby—everyone says she’s an old soul.

Word History and Origins

Origin of old soul¹

First recorded in 1750–60; in reference to an old person

Example Sentences

If your six-year-old is an old soul and can be trusted with higher-quality tech, opt for the bigger Amazon Fire HD 10 Pro for kids.

From Popular-Science

Fanning, ever the old soul, returned the gestures by knitting the veteran actors scarves.

From The Daily Beast

“This is clearly the tipping point,” says Keith Stroup, the grand old soul of the legalization movement.

From The Daily Beast

Economy with the good old soul was a cardinal virtue, waste a deadly sin.

From Project Gutenberg

It derived its name from King Cole, the "merry old soul" of the familiar nursery rhyme.

From Project Gutenberg

The elder Macintyre seemed to Thyrsis the most nave and lovable old soul he had encountered in many a year.

From Project Gutenberg

Poor little Mab wished she had not scared the old soul with her fancies, for of course they were fancies, when oh, horror!

From Project Gutenberg

After a blessed service of prayer and singing some of the good old soul-cheering songs, Robert and Mary Davis went home.

From Project Gutenberg