chekhov: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency (proper noun, literary/dramatic contexts)Formal/Literary/Academic; occasionally encountered in educated everyday speech when discussing theater or literature.
Quick answer
What does “chekhov” mean?
A proper noun referring to Anton Chekhov (1860-1904), the renowned Russian playwright and short-story writer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to Anton Chekhov (1860-1904), the renowned Russian playwright and short-story writer.
Used as an attributive noun to denote characteristics associated with his literary style, such as subtle realism, understated tragedy, or complex, human characters; also refers to a town in Russia named after him.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term in identical literary and dramatic contexts. The spelling 'Chekhov' is standard in both; the transliteration 'Chekov' is occasionally seen but is less common.
Connotations
Both share the same cultural and literary connotations: realism, psychological depth, subtlety, tragicomedy.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, primarily limited to arts, literature, and education contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chekhov” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (as subject)[Adjective] + Chekhov (e.g., 'the great Chekhov')Chekhov + [Noun] (attributive use)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chekhov” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The production had a distinctly Chekhovian atmosphere.
American English
- Her short stories are very Chekhovian in their quiet observation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in the context of theater production or publishing.
Academic
Common in literature, drama, and Slavic studies departments.
Everyday
Used when discussing theater, books, or cultural references.
Technical
Used in literary criticism and dramaturgy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chekhov”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chekhov”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chekhov”
- Misspelling as 'Checkov' or 'Chekov'.
- Using lowercase ('chekhov').
- Pronouncing the 'kh' as /k/ instead of the velar fricative /x/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily a proper noun. The adjective 'Chekhovian' is derived from it.
A dramatic principle stating that every element in a story must be necessary, and any introduced element (like a gun) should be used later in the narrative.
In English, it's typically /ˈtʃɛkɒf/ (British) or /ˈtʃɛkɑːf/ (American). The 'kh' represents a sound similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'.
Yes, it is also the name of a town in Moscow Oblast, Russia, named in his honour.
A proper noun referring to Anton Chekhov (1860-1904), the renowned Russian playwright and short-story writer.
Chekhov is usually formal/literary/academic; occasionally encountered in educated everyday speech when discussing theater or literature. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chekhov's gun (narrative principle that every element must be necessary)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHECK his plays OFF your reading list'.
Conceptual Metaphor
Chekhov is depth (representing psychological and emotional complexity in storytelling).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a defining characteristic of Chekhov's style?