Johnsonian

American  

[jon-soh-nee-uhn] / dʒɒnˈsoʊ ni ən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Samuel Johnson or his works.

2. having the quality of Johnsonese.

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noun

1. a person who writes in the Johnsonian style.

2. a teacher or critic who specializes in the works of Samuel Johnson.

Johnsonian British  

/ dʒɒnˈsəʊnɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Samuel Johnson, his works, or his style of writing

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Other Word Forms

• Johnsonianism noun
• Johnsonianly adverb
• post-Johnsonian adjective

Etymology

Origin of Johnsonian

First recorded in 1785–95; Johnson + -ian

Example Sentences

“He’s quite rare in being directly associated with both Cameron-Osborne austerity and Johnsonian hard Brexit,” said Jonathan Portes, a professor of economics and public policy at Kings College London.

From New York Times • Jul. 19, 2023

That’s because the idea of excellence, and the fundamental view of the arts held by Kennedy himself, are a bit of an embarrassment in today’s democratically minded Johnsonian age of American arts.

From Washington Post • Jun. 19, 2017

Consider this my homage to the Johnsonian approach, without the risk of me then becoming foreign secretary.

From The Guardian • Nov. 5, 2016

His post referendum press conference was notable for its absence of Johnsonian joie de vivre.

From BBC • Jul. 14, 2016

Now, however, as I tell you, I’ve determined to take right hold for myself; to look right into European life and judge it without Johnsonian prejudices. 

From Lady Barbarina The Siege of London, An International Episode and Other Tales by James, Henry