What is an eponym? Well, it’s a person after whom something is named. In this short article we’ll have a look at some eponym-derived adjectives, or eponymous adjectives for short.
So, as just mentioned, eponymous adjectives are adjectives deriving from names of people, usually famous people, both real and fictional. So, for example, the times when William Shakespeare lived and worked, are referred to as the Shakespearean era. I think you get the idea, so let’s see what adjectives we use for other famous names.
Here’s a video and below it is the text.
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Eponyms and Eponym Derived Adjectives
Now let’s have a look at a selection of eponyms and adjectives derived from them.
Eponym Writers and Composers
Orwellian – derives from the eponym George Orwell, who was a famous writer. You can see this adjective for example in the expression Orwellian nonsense.
Shavian – derives from George Bernard Shaw, who also was a writer. An example where you can see this adjective is Shavian alphabet.
Dickensian – derives from Charles Dickens, a writer again. Oliver Twist or David Copperfield are Dickensian characters.
Kafkaesque – derives from the eponym Franz Kafka, a writer. I’m pretty sure you would never like to experience Kafkaesque bureaucracy, right?
Chopinesque – derives from Frédéric Chopin, a famous Polish composer. Maybe you feel like listening to a Chopinesque miniature?
Eponym Politicians and Religious Leaders
Churchillian – derives from Winston Churchill, one of the most famous British politicians. Maybe you like listening to Churchillian language?
Thatcherite – derives from Margaret Thatcher, also known as Iron Lady, one of the greatest British prime ministers. If you’re old enough or if you like history, you may remember the Thatcherite free-market policies.
Gaullist – derives from Charles de Gaulle, who was a famous French politician. Do you know someone who used to be a member or supporter of the Gaullist party?
Julian – derives from Julius Caesar, who was one of the most brilliant political leaders in ancient Rome. Up to the 16th century all European countries were using the Julian calendar.
Lutheran – derives from Martin Luther, a famous 16th century religious leader. Do you know someone who belongs to the Lutheran church?
Napoleonic – derives from Napoléon Bonaparte, one of the greatest political leaders in Europe. He introduced the famous Napoleonic code.
Adjectives Derived from Famous Scientists and Philosophers
Copernican – derives from Nicolaus Copernicus, who was a famous Polish astronomer. You probably have heard about Copernican heliocentrism?
Aristotelian – derives from Aristotle, an ancient philosopher. Aristotelian logic is an example where this adjective is used.
And so on, and so forth. I’m pretty sure you could give me lots of other examples of eponymous adjectives.