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

“He was an absolute light, such an old soul,” McLean told The Times this week, describing the “very older brother” feeling he developed for Payne.

From Los Angeles Times

John Janick, chairman and chief executive of Eilish’s record company, Interscope Capitol Labels Group, says, “Billie is an old soul,” which points up a funny fact: In a year crowded with breakout pop acts — Roan, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter — Eilish at 22 suddenly resembles a veteran.

From Los Angeles Times

I was free-spirited, and an old soul.

From New York Times

“Randy, in my opinion, had an old soul quality to his voice. That’s one of the things that made him unique, but also, somehow familiar.”

From Seattle Times

In 2009 at the height of press for "Nowhere Boy," Aaron told the Irish Independent, "It's not unusual. I'm an old soul, and she's a young soul. We don't see an age gap, we just see each other."

From Salon