euphuism

[ yoo-fyoo-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. an affected style in imitation of that of Lyly, fashionable in England about the end of the 16th century, characterized chiefly by long series of antitheses and frequent similes relating to mythological natural history, and alliteration. Compare Euphues.
2. any similar ornate style of writing or speaking; high-flown, periphrastic language.

euphuism

/ ˈjuːfjuːˌɪzəm /

noun

1. an artificial prose style of the Elizabethan period, marked by extreme use of antithesis, alliteration, and extended similes and allusions
2. any stylish affectation in speech or writing, esp a rhetorical device or expression

Derived Forms

• ˌeuphuˈistically, adverb
• ˌeuphuˈistic, adjective
• ˈeuphuist, noun

Other Words From

• euphu·ist noun
• euphu·istic euphu·isti·cal adjective
• euphu·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of euphuism¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; Euphu(es) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of euphuism¹

C16: after Euphues, prose romance by John Lyly

Example Sentences

There is more than a touch of Euphuism in Stevenson; he was never insincere, but he was consciously fine.

From Project Gutenberg

Much euphuism, much studied grace of manner, much formal assertion of scholarship, mingling with his force of imagination.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not the matter of Euphues, however, so much as the style which made it famous (see Euphuism).

From Project Gutenberg

Euphuism owes to him its name and its diffusion in England; but not, although it is usually so stated, its birth.

From Project Gutenberg

Cynthia's Revels has the same defects, but is to some extent saved by its sharp raillery of euphuism.

From Project Gutenberg