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

Joaquin was an old soul, Patricia says with a warm smile — her eyes sad but glowing.

From Los Angeles Times

Old soul is often a trite, overused expression, but when you grow up in a famous family in the public eye, as Noah Cyrus has, it is an accurate one — her father is country music veteran Billy Ray Cyrus and her sister is pop star Miley Cyrus.

From Los Angeles Times

Mazin is full of fatherly affection for Ramsey as he describes the young actor as “an old soul.”

From Los Angeles Times

Stiles, who calls "Wish You Were Here" a story with an "old soul," launched her own career as one of Hollywood's youngest old souls.

From Salon

They're a very young couple, but the love story is so much deeper than that and has more of an old soul.

From Salon