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

Relating to, or characteristic of, William Shakespeare or his plays.

"The professor specializes in Shakespearean drama."

"The family feud had an almost Shakespearean level of tragedy."

How to use Shakespearean

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn the style of, or connected to, Shakespeare's writing.

Common pairings

Shakespearean tragedy Shakespearean sonnet Shakespearean actor

Word forms

more Shakespearean comparative, Shakespeareans plural, most Shakespearean superlative

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Fill the gap

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The professor specializes in _____ drama.

Etymology

"Shakespeare" plus "-ean".

Synonyms

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Shakespearian

Rhymes for Shakespearean

lean bean wean dean jean Sean mean Kean clean glean ocean Korean

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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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B2 vocabulary words