protean
Americanadjective
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readily assuming different forms or characters; extremely variable.
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changeable in shape or form, as an amoeba.
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(of an actor or actress) versatile; able to play many kinds of roles.
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(initial capital letter) of, relating to, or suggestive of Proteus.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of protean
Explanation
When Picasso is described as a protean genius, it means that not only was he brilliant, but he changed the way he worked many times. Protean means able to change shape. Proteus was a Greek god who could tell the future, but when he was asked a question he didn't want to answer, he would change shapes. With someone or something protean, you get all the power of shape-shifting, plus some of the menace of a god you cannot control.
Vocabulary lists containing protean
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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Hamilton
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Britain-based e-mobility firm Bedeo says it has acquired Protean Electric from Evergrande's automotive unit.
From Reuters • Dec. 7, 2021
Apart from HengTen, Evergrande also sold its UK-based electric motor making business Protean in the last week.
From BBC • Nov. 8, 2021
Protean in style, erudite in reference, uncanny in effect, these stories and novellas inhabit, conjure, and invent characters written out of history by slavery, racism, and subordination.
From Slate • Nov. 30, 2015
And yet there were moments of astonishing liquidity, voluptuousness, delicacy and fullness, and her Protean mystery became more evident than ever.
From New York Times • Jun. 9, 2015
The elusive, Protean character of the inter-penetrating realities behind them will be lost to view.
From Monophysitism Past and Present A Study in Christology by Luce, A. A. (Arthur Aston)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
