euphuism

[yoo-fyoo-iz-uhm]

noun

1. an affected style in imitation of that of Lyly, fashionable in England about the end of the 16th century, characterized chiefly by long series of antitheses and frequent similes relating to mythological natural history, and alliteration.

2. any similar ornate style of writing or speaking; high-flown, periphrastic language.

euphuism

/ ˈjuːfjuːˌɪzəm /

noun

1. an artificial prose style of the Elizabethan period, marked by extreme use of antithesis, alliteration, and extended similes and allusions

2. any stylish affectation in speech or writing, esp a rhetorical device or expression

Other Word Forms

• euphuist noun
• euphuistic adjective
• euphuistically adverb
• euphuistical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of euphuism¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; Euphu(es) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of euphuism¹

C16: after Euphues, prose romance by John Lyly

Example Sentences

Sir Charles Eastlake, in whose election to the Presidency the Queen and Prince had been much interested, had not brought oratorical euphuism to the same perfection as his successor, Lord Leighton.

From Project Gutenberg

He preserved, in a great measure, the dramatic tradition of John Lyly, and affected a kind of subdued euphuism.

From Project Gutenberg

He has shaken off the rather recondite euphuism of some of the earlier passages, and has become more human and familiar.

From Project Gutenberg

His language soars into the wildest hyperboles and euphuisms.

From Project Gutenberg

Its name is quaint, for so was its discoverer, Luke Fox, a worthy man, addicted much to euphuism.

From Project Gutenberg