Definition

Proper noun: A 19th-century Russian novelist, philosopher, and journalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential writers in world literature. His works explore profound philosophical, psychological, and spiritual themes, often set against the backdrop of the social and political turmoil of his time.

Usage

• Feodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky is known for his deep psychological insight into the human condition.
• The novels of Feodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky frequently examine themes of morality, free will, and the existence of God.
• Many modern psychologists and philosophers have been influenced by the ideas presented in the works of Feodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky.

Advanced Usage

• The Dostoyevskian novel: A term used to describe a type of novel characterized by intense psychological depth, existential questioning, and characters in states of moral or spiritual crisis, reminiscent of Dostoyevsky's style.
  • The author's latest book has been praised for its Dostoyevskian exploration of guilt and redemption.

Variants and Related Words

• Dostoyevsky (or Dostoevsky): The most common anglicized shorthand for the author's full name.
  • I am reading Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment".
• Dostoyevskian (adj.): Pertaining to or characteristic of Dostoyevsky or his works.
• Fyodor Dostoyevsky: An alternative common transliteration of his first name from Russian Cyrillic.

Synonyms

• The Russian novelist: A common descriptive reference.
• The author of "The Brothers Karamazov": Often used to identify him by his most famous work.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A Dostoyevskian dilemma: A situation involving an intense, often torturous, moral or philosophical conflict.
  • The protagonist faced a Dostoyevskian dilemma, torn between confessing his crime or living with the guilt.

Noun

1. Russian novelist who wrote of human suffering with humor and psychological insight (1821-1881)