shakespearean: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “shakespearean” mean?
Relating to, characteristic of, or in the style of William Shakespeare or his works.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to, characteristic of, or in the style of William Shakespeare or his works.
Can refer to the body of work by Shakespeare, the era in which he wrote, or to someone who is a scholar or enthusiast of his works. Also used metaphorically to describe situations of intense drama, complex characters, or eloquent language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or spelling. The word is inherently tied to British cultural heritage, so its frequency in general discourse may be slightly higher in the UK.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries a stronger connotation of national heritage and cultural identity. In the US, it may more frequently connote academic study or highbrow theatre.
Frequency
More commonly encountered in academic, theatrical, and literary contexts in both varieties. Slightly higher general frequency in the UK due to cultural proximity.
Grammar
How to Use “shakespearean” in a Sentence
Shakespearean + NOUN (e.g., Shakespearean actor)of + Shakespearean + origin (e.g., of Shakespearean origin)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shakespearean” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Her thesis focuses on Shakespearean stagecraft.
- It was a performance of Shakespearean intensity.
American English
- He is a leading Shakespearean scholar.
- The political scandal had a Shakespearean quality to it.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except metaphorically in creative industries (e.g., 'boardroom drama of Shakespearean proportions').
Academic
Frequently used in literature, drama, history, and cultural studies departments.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. May be used to describe something overly dramatic or complex (e.g., 'Their family feud is positively Shakespearean').
Technical
Used as a specific term in literary criticism and theatre history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shakespearean”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shakespearean”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shakespearean”
- Incorrectly spelling as 'Shakespearian' (although this is a less common variant).
- Using it uncapitalized when referring directly to Shakespeare.
- Overusing it to describe any old or classic thing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'Shakespearian' is a recognized variant, but 'Shakespearean' is the more common and standard spelling in modern English.
Yes, it can refer to a scholar or expert on Shakespeare's works (e.g., 'a conference of leading Shakespeareans').
'Elizabethan' refers to the broader historical period of Queen Elizabeth I's reign (1558-1603). 'Shakespearean' specifically relates to Shakespeare, his works, and his style, which overlaps with the late Elizabethan and early Jacobean periods.
In American English, it is typically pronounced /ʃeɪkˈspɪriən/, with the 'spear' part sounding like 'spear' but with a short 'i' as in 'spirit'.
Relating to, characteristic of, or in the style of William Shakespeare or his works.
Shakespearean is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not typically used in idioms, but the phrase 'a Shakespearean twist' is common]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SHAKE + SPEARE + AN. You shake a spear (like a theatrical prop), and that's AN adjective for the Bard's work.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAKESPEAREAN IS COMPLEX/HIGH ART; SHAKESPEAREAN IS DRAMATIC/INTENSE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'Shakespearean' LEAST likely to be used?