highsmith: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1literary, academic, cultural
Quick answer
What does “highsmith” mean?
A proper noun referring to a renowned author of psychological thrillers and suspense novels, most famously Patricia Highsmith.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to a renowned author of psychological thrillers and suspense novels, most famously Patricia Highsmith.
Often used to refer to the distinctive literary style of Patricia Highsmith, characterised by amoral protagonists, psychological depth, and suspenseful plots. Can be used as a metonym for a specific genre of unsettling, character-driven crime fiction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The author's fame is equally recognised in both cultural spheres.
Connotations
Connotes literary sophistication, psychological tension, and a particular brand of mid-20th century suspense. Associated with film adaptations like 'The Talented Mr. Ripley'.
Frequency
Used with similar low frequency in both varieties, primarily in literary, film, and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “highsmith” in a Sentence
[Author] Highsmith[Adjective] Highsmith-esqueVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “highsmith” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The film had a distinctly Highsmithian atmosphere of moral ambiguity.
American English
- His latest novel is very Highsmith-esque, full of unlikeable yet fascinating characters.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Frequently cited in literary criticism, gender studies (exploring queer subtext), and film studies discussing adaptations.
Everyday
Used when discussing books, films, or the genre of psychological thrillers. 'Have you read any Highsmith?'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “highsmith”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “highsmith”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “highsmith”
- Writing it in lowercase ('highsmith').
- Using it as a countable noun ('I read two highsmiths last week') is non-standard and would be considered stylistic affectation.
- Mispronouncing the 'smith' part as /smɪð/ instead of /smɪθ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency proper noun, familiar primarily to readers of literature and viewers of film adaptations.
Yes, informally. Saying a story is 'Highsmith-esque' or 'like a Highsmith novel' is understood to mean it is a psychological thriller with amoral elements.
The character Tom Ripley, the charming and murderous protagonist of several novels, including 'The Talented Mr. Ripley'.
It is pronounced /ˈhaɪsmɪθ/, with the 'smith' rhyming with 'myth', not 'smooth'.
A proper noun referring to a renowned author of psychological thrillers and suspense novels, most famously Patricia Highsmith.
Highsmith is usually literary, academic, cultural in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'HIGH' suspense crafted by a literary SMITH (a maker).
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHOR AS ARCHITECT (of suspense), LITERATURE AS A TOOL (for exploring dark psychology).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Highsmith' primarily known as?