everyman
C1Literary, Critical, Formal
Definition
Meaning
An ordinary person, representing the common qualities and experiences of humankind. Often a protagonist with whom the average person can identify.
A symbolic character in drama, literature, or media who embodies the typical human experience, concerns, and virtues, often placed in situations to highlight universal human dilemmas.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a proper noun originating from a character's name but is now used as a common noun. It implies universality and typicality, not individuality. It often carries a positive connotation of representing shared human values.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with the medieval morality play tradition in UK contexts, while in US contexts it may be more broadly applied to film and modern literature.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties within similar literary and critical registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[determiner] + everyman + [prepositional phrase/complement][adjective] + everymanVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An everyman for all seasons (rare, based on historical play)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially used in marketing to describe a product's target audience: 'The advert targets the everyman, not the luxury buyer.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, film studies, and cultural studies to analyse character archetypes.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. May appear in discussions of books, films, or theatre.
Technical
A specific term in narratology and dramatic theory for a character archetype.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He has an everyman quality that makes his performances deeply relatable.
- The politician's everyman charm won over many voters.
American English
- The film's hero is a very everyman kind of guy.
- She cultivated an everyman image despite her wealth.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The main character is an everyman who gets caught up in a great adventure.
- Many successful TV shows feature an everyman as the protagonist.
- The playwright used the everyman figure to explore timeless moral questions accessible to the entire audience.
- Despite his fame, the actor retained a certain everyman appeal that resonated with global audiences.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the play 'Everyman' where the character represents EVERY MAN. He is every man, not a specific one.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMANITY IS A SINGLE REPRESENTATIVE PERSON; THE COMMON PEOPLE ARE A PROTOTYPE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'каждый человек' (each/every person). This loses the archetypal meaning. Use 'рядовой человек', 'обычный человек', 'простой смертный', or the borrowed term 'эвримен' in critical contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a plural (*everymans). It is generally uncountable. Using it to mean 'all people' as in 'Everyman should vote' is archaic/poetic and not standard modern usage.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'everyman' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the medieval play character, it is capitalised. When used as a common noun meaning an ordinary person archetype, it is usually lowercase (e.g., 'an everyman').
Traditionally, the archetype is male-gendered, but in modern usage, the term 'everywoman' is sometimes used for a female equivalent. The concept can be applied to any gender-neutral 'ordinary person'.
It originates from the title of a 15th-century English morality play, 'The Summoning of Everyman', where the protagonist 'Everyman' represents all of humanity.
It belongs to a formal or semi-formal register, common in literary, critical, and journalistic contexts. It is not typically used in casual everyday conversation.