Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • An Irish playwright: Richard Brinsley Sheridan was an Irish dramatist, known primarily for his satirical comedies that critique social customs and the behavior of the upper classes in the 18th century.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The plays of Richard Brinsley Sheridan are still performed in theatres today.
  • We studied the wit and social commentary in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's most famous work, "The School for Scandal".

Advanced Usage

• Referring to a body of work or a style: The name can be used to represent the characteristics of his comedies.
  • The dialogue in this modern sitcom has a touch of Richard Brinsley Sheridan in its sharp, satirical wit.

Variants and Related Words

• Sheridanesque (adj): Characteristic of or resembling the style of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, particularly referring to witty, satirical comedy of manners.
  • The playwright's Sheridanesque dialogue perfectly captured the hypocrisy of high society.

Synonyms

• Dramatist: A writer of plays.
• Satirist: A writer who uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize people's stupidity or vices.

Related Phrases

• Comedy of manners: A genre of play that satirizes the manners and affectations of a social class, often represented by the works of Sheridan.
  • "The Rivals" is a classic example of a comedy of manners by Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

Noun

1. Irish playwright remembered for his satirical comedies of manners (1751-1816)