cheever: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (almost exclusively a proper noun)Formal/Literary when referring to the author; highly informal/jocular if used in the extended sense.
Quick answer
What does “cheever” mean?
A proper noun referring to a surname of English origin, most famously associated with American author John Cheever.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to a surname of English origin, most famously associated with American author John Cheever.
In very rare, informal usage, sometimes used to denote a feeling of suburban melancholy or disquiet, derived from the themes in John Cheever's stories. Not a standard lexical item.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a surname, no difference. The literary allusion is likely more recognisable in American contexts due to John Cheever's focus on American suburban life.
Connotations
UK: Primarily just a surname. US: Strong literary connotations (mid-20th century, suburbs, hidden despair, New Yorker magazine).
Frequency
Vanishingly rare as anything other than a proper name in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “cheever” in a Sentence
N/A (Proper noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cheever” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- The film had a distinctly Cheever-esque tone of suburban unease. (rare, derivative)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
N/A
Academic
Used in literary criticism and American studies courses.
Everyday
Virtually never used. If used, it's a specific reference to the author.
Technical
N/A
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cheever”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'I had a cheever yesterday').
- Misspelling as 'cheevers' or 'cheever'.
- Assuming it has a standard dictionary definition beyond the name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a proper noun (a surname), not a standard common word with its own definition in most dictionaries.
Only in a very informal, derivative sense (e.g., 'Cheever-esque') to describe something reminiscent of John Cheever's literary style and themes. It is not standard.
Dictionaries often include notable proper names, especially those of influential cultural figures like Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Cheever.
In both British and American English, it is pronounced CHEE-ver, with a long 'ee' sound. The 'r' is more pronounced in American English.
A proper noun referring to a surname of English origin, most famously associated with American author John Cheever.
Cheever is usually formal/literary when referring to the author; highly informal/jocular if used in the extended sense. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the author John CHEEVER writing about the 'CHEE-rful' surface hiding a 'SEVERE' reality.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for the word itself. Cheever's work often uses THE SUBURB IS A GILDED CAGE / CONFORMITY IS A PRISON.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Cheever' primarily recognised as?