Gilbertian
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Wildly comic and improbable: Resembling or characteristic of the absurd, topsy-turvy humor found in the comic operas of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.
- Of or pertaining to the style of W.S. Gilbert: Relating to the distinctive qualities of Sir William Schwenck Gilbert's work, especially his witty, satirical libretti.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The plot of the film was utterly Gilbertian, full of mistaken identities and absurd reversals of fortune.
- His Gilbertian wit was evident in the clever, rhyming dialogue of the play.
- The political situation had taken a Gilbertian turn, becoming so bizarre it felt like a comic opera.
Advanced Usage
- Gilbertian logic: Refers to a kind of absurd, internally consistent but fantastical reasoning typical of Gilbert's plots.
- The solution proposed by the committee operated on a sort of Gilbertian logic that pleased everyone in theory but was impossible in practice.
- Gilbertian satire: Denotes satire that uses humor, irony, and improbable scenarios to critique social norms, much like Gilbert's work.
- The cartoonist was known for his sharp, Gilbertian satire of bureaucratic ineptitude.
Variants and Related Words
- Gilbert and Sullivan (proper noun): The collaborative partnership between librettist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan, known for their Savoy operas.
- The theater company specializes in performing Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.
Synonyms
- Farcical: Relating to or resembling broad comedy based on improbable situations.
- Absurd: Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate.
- Burlesque: Involving ludicrous or mocking imitation.
Related Phrases
- Topsy-turvy: In a state of confusion or disorder; upside down. (This is a central theme in many Gilbertian plots).
- The new policy turned the department into a topsy-turvy, Gilbertian mess.
Adjective
- wildly comic and improbable as in Gilbert and Sullivan operas
- a Gilbertian world people with foundlings and changelings- T.C.Worsley
- of or pertaining to or characteristic of the style of William S. Gilbert
- Gilbertian libretti