Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • English poet and cleric: John Donne was a 17th-century English writer, a central figure in the group of metaphysical poets, and a renowned preacher.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The complex imagery in John Donne's poetry is characteristic of the metaphysical style.
  • We are studying the sermons of John Donne in our literature class.

Advanced Usage

• "Donnean" or "Donnian" (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of John Donne or his work.
  • The poet's Donnean wit is evident in his use of conceits.

Variants and Related Words

• Metaphysical poetry: A literary style of the 17th century, characterized by intellectual play, paradox, and unusual comparisons, of which Donne is a prime exemplar.
• Conceit: An elaborate, extended metaphor, a hallmark of Donne's poetic technique.

Synonyms

• The Dean of St. Paul's: A reference to his prominent clerical position.
• Metaphysical poet: Describes his primary literary classification.

Related Phrases

• "No man is an island": A famous line from Donne's .
  • He quoted John Donne, saying, "No man is an island."

Related Idioms

• "For whom the bell tolls": A phrase from the same Donne meditation, meaning that any person's death diminishes humanity as a whole.
  • His speech on community echoed Donne's idea that "it tolls for thee."

Noun

1. English clergyman and metaphysical poet celebrated as a preacher (1572-1631)