Definition

Proper noun: - French dramatist: Jean Baptiste Racine was a 17th-century French playwright, one of the three great dramatists of French classical tragedy, alongside Pierre Corneille and Molière. - Jansenist advocate: He was also associated with Jansenism, a Catholic theological movement.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The plays of Jean Baptiste Racine are masterpieces of French classical theater.
  • Scholars often compare the tragic style of Jean Baptiste Racine with that of his contemporary, Pierre Corneille.

Advanced Usage

• "Racinian" (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the works or style of Jean Baptiste Racine.
  • The play exhibits a Racinian focus on inner psychological conflict.

Variants and Related Words

• Racine: A common shortened form used to refer to Jean Baptiste Racine.
• Jansenism: The religious movement with which he was associated.

Synonyms

• French tragedian: A general term describing his primary artistic role.
• Neoclassical dramatist: Describes his style, which was based on Greek and Roman themes and adhered to classical unities.

Noun

1. French advocate of Jansenism; tragedian who based his works on Greek and Roman themes (1639-1699)