maugham: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, academic
Quick answer
What does “maugham” mean?
A surname of notable 20th-century English writer W. Somerset Maugham.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surname of notable 20th-century English writer W. Somerset Maugham.
Used to refer specifically to the author W. Somerset Maugham or his body of work, characterized by lucid prose, psychological insight, and a cynical view of human nature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Pronunciation differs significantly (see IPA). In literary contexts, recognition is higher among British readers, though Maugham's work was internationally popular.
Connotations
Connotes early 20th-century literature, realism, short stories, novels about colonial life, and plays.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse. Higher frequency in literary, academic, or biographical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “maugham” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “maugham” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It had a very Maugham-esque atmosphere of disillusionment.
- His prose is distinctly Maugham.
American English
- The story's cynical twist was very Maugham-like.
- She writes in a Maugham style.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Potentially in publishing or literary agency contexts.
Academic
Used in literary studies, history of English literature, post-colonial studies.
Everyday
Very rare, limited to discussions of classic literature.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “maugham”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maugham”
- Mispronouncing it as /mɔːɡəm/ (adding a 'g' sound).
- Misspelling as 'Maughan', 'Maughem'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a maugham' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively a proper noun, referring to the surname of author W. Somerset Maugham or him directly.
It is an English surname with Norman origins. The 'gh' is silent, similar to other names like 'Slough'.
His major works include the novels 'Of Human Bondage' and 'The Moon and Sixpence', the short story collection 'The Casuarina Tree', and the play 'The Circle'.
Yes, adjectival forms like 'Maugham-esque' or the noun phrase 'a Maugham style' are used in literary criticism to denote lucid, cynical, and psychologically astute prose reminiscent of his work.
A surname of notable 20th-century English writer W. Somerset Maugham.
Maugham is usually literary, academic in register.
Maugham: in British English it is pronounced /mɔːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɑːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Maugham' sounds like 'mom', but it's the name of a famous, sophisticated 'Ma'am' of literature.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHOR IS A NAME (Metonymy where the author's name stands for his style, era, or entire body of work).
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct British pronunciation of 'Maugham'?