Chekhovian

American

[che-koh-vee-uhn, -kaw-fee-, -kof-ee-, chek-aw-fee-uhn, -of-ee-] / tʃɛˈkoʊ vi ən, -ˈkɔ fi-, -ˈkɒf i-, ˈtʃɛk ɔ fi ən, -ɒf i- /

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of Anton Chekhov or his writings, especially as they are evocative of a mood of introspection and frustration.

Etymology

Origin of Chekhovian

First recorded in 1920–25; Chekhov + -ian

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Omid, whose English surpasses Marjan’s own level, has excited such hopes, and the touchingly Chekhovian quasi-romance between them adds a gentle note of amorous wistfulness.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

The play is remarkable in its structure, which builds tension with Chekhovian grace and ferocity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

Even so, this exquisitely knowing, distinctly Chekhovian play about lies and illusions handed down as history still has the power to grab us.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2024

They are in conversation with an interviewer and should not be treated as though they are Chekhovian characters lost in their own inner lives.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2023

O, the overwhelming depth of these simple, ordinary, very Chekhovian words!

From Reminiscences of Anton Chekhov by Bunin, I. A.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023