Thespian

[thes-pee-uhn]

adjective

1. (often lowercase),  pertaining to tragedy or to the dramatic art in general.

2. of or characteristic of Thespis.

3. of or relating to Thespiae.

noun

1. (sometimes lowercase),  a tragedian; an actor or actress.

Thespian

/ ˈθɛspɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Thespis

2. (usually not capital) of or relating to drama and the theatre; dramatic

noun

1. facetious,  an actor or actress

Word History and Origins

Origin of Thespian¹

First recorded in 1665–75; Thespi(s) + -an

Example Sentences

However, any lawyer, judge, or professional thespian will tell you that there are times when knowing the exact words is essential; for example, when performing the role of Hamlet, or when given the task of ending a wolfish family curse.

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To learn more you must ask your nearest thespian, but be sure to inquire about the “Scottish play” and under no circumstances say the title even if you do know what it is.

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“It is an actor. That parrot is a professional thespian, highly trained.”

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Was the parrot—this thespian parrot, impersonating a pirate’s parrot, with a miniature costume eye patch covering one beady little bird eye—was this talented avian of the stage howling?

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There have been more than 40 works written about the Rock and Roll of Fame inductee, who has sold an estimated 125 million records worldwide and was on his way to becoming a respected thespian after a star-making debut in the gritty 1992 coming-of-age drama “Juice” as the psychopathic Bishop.

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