howells
Definition
- Proper noun:
- A surname of English origin: "Howells" is primarily recognized as a family name.
- William Dean Howells (1837-1920): Specifically, "Howells" most commonly refers to this influential American novelist, literary critic, and editor, a central figure in American literary realism.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun (referring to the person):
- The literary theories of Howells had a profound impact on American fiction.
- Many scholars study the works of Howells to understand 19th-century American culture.
Advanced Usage
- "Howellsian" (adjective): Pertaining to or characteristic of William Dean Howells or his literary style, which emphasized realism, ordinary life, and ethical complexity.
- The novel's Howellsian focus on middle-class dilemmas set it apart from romantic tales of adventure.
Variants and Related Words
- Howell: A related surname, from which "Howells" is often derived as a patronymic (meaning "son of Howell").
- Howellsian: (As above) The adjectival form used in literary criticism.
Synonyms
- William Dean Howells: The full name is the direct synonym when referring to the author.
- The Dean of American Letters: A respectful epithet sometimes used for Howells due to his influential role.
Notes on Meaning
- The term "Howells" is almost exclusively used as a proper noun. Its primary meaning in common usage is the reference to the specific historical figure, William Dean Howells. It is not used with a general lexical meaning outside of this context.
Noun
-
United States writer and editor (1837-1920)
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