hesse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Literary, Geographic
Quick answer
What does “hesse” mean?
A proper noun referring primarily to Hermann Hesse (1877–1962), the German-Swiss novelist, poet, and painter, or to the German state of Hesse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring primarily to Hermann Hesse (1877–1962), the German-Swiss novelist, poet, and painter, or to the German state of Hesse.
1. Pertaining to the literary works, themes, or philosophical ideas characteristic of Hermann Hesse's writings. 2. Relating to the culture, people, or geography of the German state of Hesse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Both recognise the author and the state. Pronunciation of the German toponym may differ slightly.
Connotations
In literary contexts, connotations of spiritual quest, self-discovery, and Eastern philosophy. In geographic contexts, neutral.
Frequency
Frequency is low in both varieties, likely higher in academic/literary circles.
Grammar
How to Use “hesse” in a Sentence
[subject] studies Hesse.The novel [by Hesse] is profound.[Hesse's] influence on...Located in [Hesse].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hesse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- His writing has a distinctly Hessean quality.
- The Hesse countryside is lovely.
American English
- Her thesis explores Hessean themes.
- A Hesse-based manufacturer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like 'a business based in Hesse'.
Academic
Common in literature, philosophy, and German studies departments.
Everyday
Very low frequency. May be mentioned by readers or travellers.
Technical
Used in historical, geographic, or literary analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hesse”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hesse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hesse”
- Misspelling as 'Hess'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a hesse').
- Incorrect pluralisation ('Hesses' for works is acceptable, but not for multiple states).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively a proper noun, referring to a specific person or place.
It is pronounced /ˈhɛsə/, with a clear 'ess' sound and a schwa at the end, similar to 'lesser' without the 'r'.
Hermann Hesse is most famous for his novels 'Siddhartha', 'Steppenwolf', and 'The Glass Bead Game', for which he won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
'Hesse' is the standard English name for the German state. 'Hessen' is the native German name. They refer to the same place.
A proper noun referring primarily to Hermann Hesse (1877–1962), the German-Swiss novelist, poet, and painter, or to the German state of Hesse.
Hesse is usually formal, academic, literary, geographic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Hessean journey (a spiritual or introspective quest).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HESSE: Has Enlightening Spiritual Stories Everywhere. (For the author) / HESSE: Home Encompassing Sights Such as Eberbach. (For the region)
Conceptual Metaphor
A Hesse novel is a journey into the self. The state of Hesse is a crossroads of culture.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Hesse' LEAST likely to be used?