robinson crusoe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2literary, figurative, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “robinson crusoe” mean?
The protagonist and title of Daniel Defoe's 1719 novel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The protagonist and title of Daniel Defoe's 1719 novel; a shipwrecked sailor who survives alone on a remote island.
A metaphorical reference to someone who is isolated, self-sufficient, or living in primitive, makeshift conditions, often by necessity. Used to describe a situation of complete solitude or self-reliance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The novel is a staple of the Western literary canon in both cultures.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of adventure, survival, and Enlightenment ideals of the individual. In British English, there may be a slightly stronger association with colonial/post-colonial themes.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English, given the author's nationality and the novel's place in the UK's national literary curriculum.
Grammar
How to Use “robinson crusoe” in a Sentence
[Subject] feels/lives like (a) Robinson Crusoe.[Subject] is/are (a) modern-day Robinson Crusoe.to play (at being) Robinson Crusoe.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “robinson crusoe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard; extremely rare and non-idiomatic.)
American English
- (Not standard; extremely rare and non-idiomatic.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- He has a sort of Robinson Crusoe beard after months in the wilderness.
- They built a Robinson Crusoe shelter from driftwood.
American English
- He lived a Robinson Crusoe life in the remote cabin.
- The hut had a Robinson Crusoe feel to it.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical for a startup founder working in isolation ('He felt like a Robinson Crusoe, building the prototype alone in his garage').
Academic
Used in literary criticism, post-colonial studies, and cultural history to discuss the novel, its themes, and its archetypal influence.
Everyday
Used figuratively to describe feelings of isolation or self-sufficiency ('Working from home alone, I'm turning into Robinson Crusoe').
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “robinson crusoe”
- Misspelling as 'Robinson Crussoe' or 'Robinson Caruso'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I was Robinson Crusoed on the island').
- Confusing it with 'Friday' (his companion).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as it is a proper name. Even when used figuratively ('a Robinson Crusoe existence'), the name itself is capitalised.
No, this is non-standard and would be considered an error. The term functions as a proper noun or, figuratively, as a common noun or adjective.
'Castaway' is the literal, neutral term for someone shipwrecked. 'Robinson Crusoe' is a cultural archetype that implies not just the fact of being shipwrecked, but the ensuing story of survival, resourcefulness, and isolation, often with a specific reference to Defoe's novel.
Friday is the native man whom Crusoe rescues and names. He becomes Crusoe's companion and servant. The term 'my man Friday' or 'girl Friday' has entered the language to mean a loyal and versatile assistant, though this usage is now dated.
The protagonist and title of Daniel Defoe's 1719 novel.
Robinson crusoe is usually literary, figurative, journalistic in register.
Robinson crusoe: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɒbɪnsən ˈkruːsəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɑːbɪnsən ˈkruːsoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Robinson Crusoe existence/life”
- “To be/feel like Robinson Crusoe”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ROBOT (Rob-) on a deserted ISLAND (-inson) with a CRUISER (-Crusoe) ship that's broken. The robot must survive alone, just like Robinson Crusoe.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A VOYAGE / ISOLATION IS BEING SHIPWRECKED / SELF-RELIANCE IS SURVIVAL ON AN ISLAND
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary metaphorical meaning of 'a Robinson Crusoe'?