phrases - A fitting word/description for a person who seems more mature in appearance than most people his age?


I'm trying to describe a person who is young (in his youth 19-24, past teenage years) who at a first glance might look mature or wiser for his age. But if you talk to him you get to know him as a little naive though only in experience but not in wisdom.


So I have a description like "His face is calm and impassive and combined with his white hair makes him look wiser than 19"



  • Can I use a word or phrase that can define this kind of person without giving away details?

  • And is the description even correct to explain this kind of person?



Answer



Older than his years may fit, applying both for appearence and mind.



Example 1: But he’s only 38! Colin Farrell looks older than his years as he shows off scruffy beard on way to yoga class in Santa Monica.


Example 2: All this profuse, indiscriminate reading helped to educate him and to give him the air of a "wise child," older than his years and familiar with the ways of the world.



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