spenser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “spenser” mean?
A proper noun, primarily referring to Edmund Spenser (c. 1552–1599), an English Renaissance poet best known for his epic allegorical poem 'The Faerie Queene'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun, primarily referring to Edmund Spenser (c. 1552–1599), an English Renaissance poet best known for his epic allegorical poem 'The Faerie Queene'.
The name can also refer to individuals named Spenser (often a surname or given name), works or styles influenced by Edmund Spenser (e.g., Spenserian stanza), or occasionally be used as a rare variant spelling of 'spencer' (a type of short jacket), though this is considered archaic or erroneous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The poet is equally central to the British and American literary canons. The archaic variant spelling 'spenser' for 'spencer' (garment) might be slightly more attested in British historical texts.
Connotations
Primarily connotes high culture, Renaissance poetry, allegory, and Elizabethan England.
Frequency
Extremely low in everyday speech; frequency spikes in academic and literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spenser” in a Sentence
Spenser [verb] (e.g., Spenser writes, Spenser describes)The [noun] of Spenser (e.g., the works of Spenser, the influence of Spenser)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spenser” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Scholars often Spenserise other poets' works, looking for his influence.
- To Spenser is to imitate his elaborate allegorical style.
American English
- The chapter Spensers the historical events into a rich allegory.
- He attempted to Spenser his own epic, with mixed results.
adverb
British English
- The tale was written Spenserianly, with knights and virtues personified.
- He composed the lines Spenserianly.
American English
- She writes Spenserianly, favoring archaic diction.
- The narrative unfolds Spenserianly, laden with symbolism.
adjective
British English
- The poem's Spenserian stanzas presented a formidable challenge.
- Her writing had a distinctly Spenserian quality.
American English
- The Spenserian section of the anthology is particularly dense.
- His style is overly Spenserian for modern tastes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Central term in English Literature courses focusing on the Renaissance.
Everyday
Extremely rare; likely only used by those with a literary background.
Technical
Used in literary analysis to denote a specific stanza form (Spenserian stanza: ababbcbcc).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spenser”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spenser”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spenser”
- Misspelling as 'Spencer' when referring to the poet.
- Using lower case 'spenser' incorrectly for the jacket.
- Pronouncing it /ˈspɛnsɑːr/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The poet's surname is definitively 'Spenser'. 'Spencer' is a common error or refers to a different name/item.
A nine-line stanza with the rhyme scheme ababbcbcc, the first eight lines in iambic pentameter and the final line an alexandrine (iambic hexameter), pioneered by Edmund Spenser in 'The Faerie Queene'.
Only as an historical variant or misspelling of 'spencer', referring to a short, waist-length jacket. Its use is obsolete.
He is a major figure of the English Renaissance, whose work 'The Faerie Queene' helped shape the development of English epic poetry and allegory, and influenced countless later writers.
A proper noun, primarily referring to Edmund Spenser (c. 1552–1599), an English Renaissance poet best known for his epic allegorical poem 'The Faerie Queene'.
Spenser is usually literary, academic, historical in register.
Spenser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɛnsə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɛnsɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Spenserian complexity”
- “As allegorical as Spenser's Queene”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Spenser SPENS time writing Faerie Queene.'
Conceptual Metaphor
LITERARY HERITAGE IS A FOUNDATION: 'Spenser is a cornerstone of English poetic tradition.'
Practice
Quiz
What is 'spenser' (lowercase) most accurately considered in modern English?