Definition

1. Adjective:
   • In the manner of Ernest Hemingway: Describing a style of writing, speech, or behavior that is reminiscent of or similar to that of the American author Ernest Hemingway. This typically implies characteristics such as concise, direct, and understated prose; a focus on themes like masculinity, courage, stoicism, and existential struggle; and settings involving war, hunting, fishing, or bullfighting.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The novel's sparse dialogue and focus on unspoken emotions are truly Hemingwayesque.
  • His Hemingwayesque lifestyle, filled with adventure and bravado, was as famous as his writing.

Advanced Usage

• As a stylistic descriptor: Used in literary criticism to categorize works that emulate Hemingway's distinctive technique.
  • The critic praised the young writer's Hemingwayesque economy of language.
• Beyond literature: Can describe attitudes, personal styles, or atmospheres that evoke the perceived essence of Hemingway's world.
  • The bar had a Hemingwayesque ambiance, with mounted game heads and a sense of rugged nostalgia.

Variants and Related Words

• Hemingwayan (adj): A less common variant with the same meaning as "Hemingwayesque."
  • The film's portrayal of quiet heroism was deeply Hemingwayan.

Synonyms

• Laconic: Using very few words; concise to the point of seeming mysterious or abrupt.
• Terse: Sparing in the use of words; abrupt.
• Stoic: Enduring pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining.

Antonyms

• Florid: Having a fancy or elaborate style, especially in writing or speech.
• Verbose: Using more words than needed; wordy.
• Melodramatic: Exaggeratedly emotional or sentimental.

Related Idioms & Phrases

• "Grace under pressure": A phrase often associated with Hemingway's definition of courage, sometimes evoked by the adjective "Hemingwayesque."
  • His Hemingwayesque calm during the crisis was a display of pure grace under pressure.

Adjective

1. in the manner of Ernest Hemingway