Shakespearean

American  

[sheyk-speer-ee-uhn] / ʃeɪkˈspɪər i ən /

Or Shakespearian

adjective

1. of, relating to, or suggestive of Shakespeare or his works.

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noun

1. a Shakespearean scholar; a specialist in the study of the works of Shakespeare.

Shakespearean British  

/ ʃeɪkˈspɪərɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Shakespeare or his works

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noun

1. a student of or specialist in Shakespeare's works

Other Word Forms

• Shakespeareanism noun
• Shakespearianism noun
• half-Shakespearean adjective
• non-Shakespearean adjective
• non-Shakespearian adjective
• post-Shakespearean adjective
• post-Shakespearian adjective
• pre-Shakespearean adjective
• pre-Shakespearian adjective
• pseudo-Shakespearean adjective
• pseudo-Shakespearian adjective

Etymology

Origin of Shakespearean

First recorded in 1810–20; Shakespeare + -an

Example Sentences

The movie purports to dip into the deep well of Shakespearean magnificence but emerges only with a ladle full of greasy schmaltz.

From The Wall Street Journal

If ever the Shakespearean warning about those who “doth protest too much” seemed apt, Skandalakis’ overly long preface to his motion surely qualifies.

From Salon

But his colleagues know Matthews best as a maestro of the intricate world of Shakespearean drama, the man who can tell you exactly how to untangle a thorny text from “Henry IV.”

From New York Times

So she learned from a friend and fellow Shakespearean, Catherine E. Coulson, perhaps best known as the Log Lady in “Twin Peaks.”

From New York Times

At the time, I wondered what Donenberg’s already strong production would have been like if Van Norden had brought his ability to seamlessly connect Shakespearean mind and mouth to the role of Prospero.

From Los Angeles Times