protean

[ proh-tee-uhn, proh-tee- ]

adjective

1. readily assuming different forms or characters; extremely variable.
2. changeable in shape or form, as an amoeba.
3. (of an actor or actress) versatile; able to play many kinds of roles.
4. (initial capital letter) of, relating to, or suggestive of Proteus.

protean

/ ˈprəʊtɪən; prəʊˈtiːən /

adjective

1. readily taking on various shapes or forms; variable

Other Words From

• prote·an·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of protean¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; Prote(us) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of protean¹

C16: from Proteus

Example Sentences

And this Orlando is played by the protean writer and performer Taylor Mac, who delivers the line while cutting a resplendent androgynous figure in shiny red boots and white, vaguely Elizabethan garb.

From New York Times

Faith Ringgold, who died Saturday at 93, was an artist of protean inventiveness.

From New York Times

This is a festival that continues to ask what it means to present a music festival — particularly one that aspires to represent an entire, protean genre.

From New York Times

That I didn’t know this at the time makes me want to re-imagine my relationship with the city now as something latent, something protean.

From Los Angeles Times

It could be said of the protean filmmaker Werner Herzog that he’s presented a monumental and wide-ranging account of himself in the form of over 60 motion pictures.

From New York Times

Related Words

• multifaceted