What does "johnsonian" mean?
An enthusiast of the works of Samuel Johnson.
Johnsonian
/d͡ʒɒnˈsəʊnɪ.ən/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An enthusiast of the works of Samuel Johnson.
- Grammar: johnsonian is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: affected, bedizened, big-sounding, convoluted.
- Usage evidence: With my idea of the rector derived from a picture in the dining-parlour, stiff and stately […]—it was strange to read these letters. They were full of eager, passionate ardour; short homely sentences, right fresh from the heart (very different from the grand Latinised, Johnsonian style of the printed sermon preached before some judge at assize time).
How to use "johnsonian"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "johnsonian" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "johnsonian" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "johnsonian" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "affected" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An enthusiast of the works of Samuel Johnson.
- 2 A supporter of Boris Johnson.
Adjective
- 1 Of or pertaining to the English writer and lexicographer Samuel Johnson (1709–1784), or characteristic of his style.
"With my idea of the rector derived from a picture in the dining-parlour, stiff and stately […]—it was strange to read these letters. They were full of eager, passionate ardour; short homely sentences, right fresh from the heart (very different from the grand Latinised, Johnsonian style of the printed sermon preached before some judge at assize time)."
- 2 Of or pertaining to Lyndon B. Johnson (1908–1973), American politician and president of the United States from 1963 to 1969. US
- 3 Of or pertaining to Boris Johnson (born 1964), English politician and prime minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022. UK
"To stop no-deal, MPs must adopt some Johnsonian ruthlessness and be ready to bring down the prime minister and put someone else, probably Jeremy Corbyn, in his place."
Example
"With my idea of the rector derived from a picture in the dining-parlour, stiff and stately […]—it was strange to read these letters. They were full of eager, passionate ardour; short homely sentences, right fresh from the heart (very different from the grand Latinised, Johnsonian style of the printed sermon preached before some judge at assize time)."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "johnsonian"?
Common synonyms include: affected, bedizened, big-sounding, convoluted, declamatory, elevated.
How do you use "johnsonian" in a sentence?
With my idea of the rector derived from a picture in the dining-parlour, stiff and stately […]—it was strange to read these letters. They were full of eager, passionate ardour; short homely sentences, right fresh from the heart (very different from the grand Latinised, Johnsonian style of the printed sermon preached before some judge at assize time).
How do you pronounce "johnsonian"?
Pronounced /d͡ʒɒnˈsəʊnɪ.ən/.
Etymology
From Johnson + -ian.