English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj

thespian

THEHS-pee-uhn

Thespian (adj) means relating to acting or drama; theatrical. Example: “She has always had thespian ambitions.”

adj
1
Relating to acting or drama; theatrical.
"She has always had thespian ambitions."
noun
1
An actor.
"The young thespian delivered a stunning performance."

How to Use Thespian

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA somewhat old-fashioned or playful word for an actor, or anything related to acting.

When to use it

Slightly formal or humorous; "actor" is the everyday word.

Common pairings
a budding thespian thespian talents

Word Forms

more thespian comparative, thespians plural, most thespian superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “thespian” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She has always had _____ ambitions.

Etymology

Named after Thespis, an ancient Greek actor said to be the first to perform in a play.

Origin: Ancient Greek

player actor histrion role player

Related Words

Rhymes for thespian

See all rhymes for thespian →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “thespian” mean?

The word “thespian” means relating to acting or drama; theatrical. In plain terms, a somewhat old-fashioned or playful word for an actor, or anything related to acting.

How do you pronounce “thespian”?

“Thespian” is pronounced THEHS-pee-uhn (/ˈθɛzbi.ən/ in IPA).

How do you use “thespian” in a sentence?

Here is “thespian” used in a sentence: “She has always had thespian ambitions.”

What part of speech is “thespian”?

Depending on how it is used, “thespian” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “thespian” come from?

The word “thespian” comes from Ancient Greek. Named after Thespis, an ancient Greek actor said to be the first to perform in a play.

How many meanings does “thespian” have?

“Thespian” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to acting or drama; theatrical.

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial