Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to or characteristic of Thomas Jefferson: Pertaining to the third U.S. President, his life, work, or era.
   • Relating to his principles or theories: Characterized by the political ideals, philosophies, or policies advocated by Thomas Jefferson, such as agrarianism, states' rights, limited federal government, and strict interpretation of the Constitution.

2. Noun:

   • A follower of Thomas Jefferson or his ideas and principles: A person who supports, studies, or adheres to the political philosophy and doctrines associated with Thomas Jefferson.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The architecture of the building had a distinct Jeffersonian style, reminiscent of Monticello.
  • The senator's speech outlined a Jeffersonian vision for a decentralized republic.
• Noun:
  • As a staunch Jeffersonian, he argued passionately for individual liberty and a weak central government.
  • The historian was a noted Jeffersonian who specialized in the early republic period.

Advanced Usage

• "Jeffersonian ideals": The core principles associated with Thomas Jefferson, such as liberty, self-government, and civic virtue.
  • The movement claimed to be a return to Jeffersonian ideals of yeoman farming.
• "Jeffersonian democracy": A political model emphasizing the moral and civic duty of the common man (the yeoman farmer) and a deep suspicion of centralized power and urban financial elites.
  • The book explores the contradictions inherent in Jeffersonian democracy.

Variants and Related Words

• Jeffersonianism (n): The political philosophy or principles of Thomas Jefferson.
  • His thesis was a critique of modern Jeffersonianism.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Jefferson-esque.
• Noun: adherent of Jefferson, disciple of Jefferson.

Related Phrases

• In the Jeffersonian tradition: Acting or thinking in a manner consistent with Jefferson's principles.
  • The policy was crafted in the Jeffersonian tradition of limited federal oversight.

Adjective

1. relating to or characteristic of Thomas Jefferson or his principles or theories
   • Jeffersonian democracy

Noun

1. a follower of Thomas Jefferson or his ideas and principles