Euphuists meaning

The euphuists were a group of writers in the Elizabethan era known for their ornate and elaborate writing style.


Euphuists definitions

Word backwards stsiuhpue
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "euphuists" is a noun.
Syllabic division eu-phu-ists
Plural The plural of the word "euphuists" is euphuists.
Total letters 9
Vogais (3) e,u,i
Consonants (4) p,h,s,t

The Euphuists: Masters of Elaborate Prose

Euphuism was a literary fashion popular in the late 16th century, characterized by elaborate and highly artificial writing. Euphuists were known for their ornate prose, witty wordplay, and extravagant use of metaphor and simile.

The Origins of Euphuism

The term "euphuism" comes from the title of a book called "Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit" written by John Lyly in 1578. The book tells the story of a young man named Euphues who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love.

Key Features of Euphuism

Euphuists used a writing style that was highly artificial and exaggerated, with a focus on clever wordplay and elaborate descriptions. They often employed alliteration, antithesis, and parallelism in their writing to create a sense of rhythm and balance.

Impact of Euphuism

Euphuism had a significant influence on English literature and language, shaping the way writers approached prose and rhetoric. It paved the way for the development of the novel as a literary form and influenced later writers such as William Shakespeare.

Legacy of Euphuism

While euphuism fell out of favor in the 17th century, its legacy can still be seen in the works of writers who value intricate and elaborate prose. The euphuists may have been criticized for their excesses, but their contributions to English literature are undeniable.


Euphuists Examples

  1. The euphuists of the Renaissance era were known for their elaborate and artificial writing style.
  2. Some modern authors have been compared to euphuists due to their use of ornate language.
  3. Euphuists often incorporated complex metaphors and allusions in their works.
  4. The euphuists' emphasis on wit and artifice set them apart from other writers of their time.
  5. Scholars continue to study the works of euphuists to better understand Renaissance literature.
  6. Euphuists were known for their fondness of wordplay and rhetorical devices.
  7. The writing of euphuists was marked by a distinctive focus on style over substance.
  8. Many critics have debated the value of euphuistic writing in the literary canon.
  9. Euphuists often sought to impress their audiences with their linguistic virtuosity.
  10. The influence of euphuism can be seen in later movements that prioritized ornate prose.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 12/07/2024 - 17:59:56