adjective
B2
Upper-Intermediate
Shakespearean
shayk-SPEER-ree-uhn
Shakespearean (adjective) means relating to, or characteristic of, William Shakespeare or his plays. Example: “The professor specializes in Shakespearean drama.”
adjective
1
Relating to, or characteristic of, William Shakespeare or his plays.
"This is the distinctive milieu of Succession, the HBO juggernaut which turned the pitiful exploits of a bunch of media mogul failsons into Shakespearean drama for four critically acclaimed seasons."
— Adrian Horton, Tech-bro satire Mountainhead is an insufferable disappointment (2025)
"There was indeed something Shakespearean about both the service in the abbey and the marches that surrounded it. By Shakespearean I mean there was a blend of pageantry, procession, music and mystery."
— Michael Billington, The Coronation review – immaculately rehearsed, touching and Shakespearean (2023)
"The professor specializes in Shakespearean drama."
"The family feud had an almost Shakespearean level of tragedy."
"Meanwhile, I presided over the Senate. I also dined quite frequently with the President who continued to delight and fascinate me with his conversation, not to mention his wonderful malice which was positively Shakespearean in its variety."
— Gore Vidal (1973)
How to use Shakespearean
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn the style of, or connected to, Shakespeare's writing.
Common pairings
Shakespearean tragedy
Shakespearean sonnet
Shakespearean actor
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Word forms
- Plural
- Shakespeareans
- Comparative
- more Shakespearean
- Superlative
- most Shakespearean
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The professor specializes in _____ drama.
Etymology
"Shakespeare" plus "-ean".
Synonyms
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Shakespearian
Rhymes for Shakespearean
See all rhymes for Shakespearean →Frequently asked questions
What does “Shakespearean” mean?
The word “Shakespearean” means relating to, or characteristic of, William Shakespeare or his plays. In plain terms, in the style of, or connected to, Shakespeare's writing.
How do you pronounce “Shakespearean”?
“Shakespearean” is pronounced shayk-SPEER-ree-uhn (/ʃeɪkˈspɪɹi.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “Shakespearean” in a sentence?
Here is “Shakespearean” used in a sentence: “The professor specializes in Shakespearean drama.”
What part of speech is “Shakespearean”?
“Shakespearean” is an adjective.
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