Chekhovian

American

[che-koh-vee-uhn, -kaw-fee-, -kof-ee-, chek-aw-fee-uhn, -of-ee-] / tʃɛˈkoʊ vi ən, -ˈkɔ fi-, -ˈkɒf i-, ˈtʃɛk ɔ fi ən, -ɒf i- /

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of Anton Chekhov or his writings, especially as they are evocative of a mood of introspection and frustration.

Etymology

Origin of Chekhovian

First recorded in 1920–25; Chekhov + -ian

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.

The play is remarkable in its structure, which builds tension with Chekhovian grace and ferocity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

He also gives these Chekhovian wobblers more spine while curtailing some of the excesses that threaten to turn character into caricature.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

But by so closely defining her characters by their sociological predicament, she can’t expect us to respond to them in purely Chekhovian terms.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2025

Even so, this exquisitely knowing, distinctly Chekhovian play about lies and illusions handed down as history still has the power to grab us.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2024

His Chekhovian mots and those little traits that astonish us by their neatness and appositeness, he often took direct from life.

From Reminiscences of Anton Chekhov by Bunin, I. A.

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