prodigy / prodigal

[vil]

Dear teachers,

I am astonished at the unconvincing similarity of the terms “prodigy” and “prodigal”. That glaring injustice disturbs my peace of mind.

Would you be kind enough to give me a logical explanation about that regrettable misunderstanding?

Regards

V.

[Raymott]

Dear teachers,

I am astonished at the unconvincing similarity of the terms “prodigy” and “prodigal”. That glaring injustice disturbs my peace of mind.

Would you be kind enough to give me a logical explanation about that regrettable misunderstanding?

Regards

V.

They have different derivations.
Prodigal from Latin prodigus (extravagant).
Prodigy from Latin prodigium (pro(d) forward + agere act), for example, an omen , a portent -> a marvel; -> a person with marvellous abilities.
(Oxford Dictionary)
Also, prodigal has a hard g [g]; prodigy a soft g [dʒ]
In short, they’re different words, and you just have to cop it