Taine

American

[teyn, ten] / teɪn, tɛn /

noun

Hippolyte Adolphe 1828–93, French literary critic and historian.

Taine British

/ tɛn /

noun

Hippolyte Adolphe (ipɔlit adɔlf). 1828–93, French literary critic and historian. He applied determinist criteria to the study of literature, art, history, and psychology, regarding them as products of environment and race. His works include Histoire de la littérature anglaise (1863–64) and Les Origines de la France contemporaine (1875–93)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Mee, 22, is one of three starting changes from the 26-23 defeat by Scotland with fly-half Dan Edwards and flanker James Botham coming in for the injured Sam Costelow and Taine Plumtree.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

As Thomas came back on, so exited Wales No.8 Taine Plumtree for an illegal tackle to ensure the pressure remained for the final 10 minutes.

From Barron's • Nov. 22, 2025

Wales have made four changes from the side crushed by Australia with starts for wing Rio Dyer, fly-half Sam Costelow, lock Christ Tshiunza and number eight Taine Plumtree.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2024

In the forwards, Exeter lock Christ Tshiunza replaces the injured Adam Beard, while number eight Taine Plumtree is recalled for Aaron Wainwright.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2024

It is according to this method, Taine argues, not only that history should be written, but also that we should study the literature of any nation.

From Atlantic Classics, Second Series by Addams, Jane

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023