Definition

Proper noun: - John Lyly: An English writer of the Elizabethan era, renowned for his highly ornate, elaborate, and witty prose style. He was a significant figure in the development of English prose and drama.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The novel's euphuistic dialogue was clearly influenced by the works of John Lyly.
  • Scholars often study John Lyly to understand the transition from medieval to Renaissance literary styles.

Advanced Usage

• Euphuism: This term is directly derived from John Lyly's style. It refers to an excessively elaborate and artificial style of writing or speaking, characterized by balanced antitheses, alliteration, and far-fetched similes, often from classical mythology and natural history.
  • The politician's speech was criticized for its tedious euphuism.

Variants and Related Words

• Euphues (Proper noun): The title character and name of John Lyly's most famous works, (1578) and (1580). The literary style "euphuism" is named after this character.
• Euphuistic (Adjective): Describing language or style that resembles that of John Lyly; overly ornate and artificial.
  • The letter was written in a deliberately euphuistic manner.

Synonyms

• Writer, Author, Prose Stylist, Dramatist.

Related Phrases

• Lyly's influence: A phrase used in literary criticism to denote the impact of John Lyly's ornate style on later Elizabethan literature.
  • The courtly language in the play shows Lyly's influence.

Noun

1. English writer noted for his elaborate style (1554-1606)