Definition

Proper noun 1. Historical Figure: An English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman, and noted Renaissance humanist. He served as Lord Chancellor to King Henry VIII. He is remembered for his principled opposition to the King's separation from the Catholic Church, which led to his execution. 2. Literary Figure: The author of Utopia (1516), a seminal work of fiction and political philosophy that describes a perfect island society and coined the term "utopia."

Usage Examples

• As a historical figure:
  • Sir Thomas More was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1935.
  • The conflict between Sir Thomas More and King Henry VIII is a classic study of conscience versus power.
• As an author:
  • In Utopia, Sir Thomas More critiques the social and political issues of his time through a fictional narrative.
  • The ideas presented by Sir Thomas More continue to influence political thought.

Advanced Usage

• "A Man for All Seasons": This is the title of a famous play by Robert Bolt (and subsequent film) about More's life. The phrase is often used to describe More himself, symbolizing a person of integrity who remains true to his principles in all circumstances.
  • The play A Man for All Seasons dramatizes the final years of Sir Thomas More.

Variants and Related Words

• More, Thomas (common alternative reference)
• Saint Thomas More (religious title)
• Utopian (adj): Pertaining to or resembling the ideal society described in More's work. Often used to describe impractically idealistic schemes.
  • His plans for the community were dismissed as utopian.

Synonyms

• Statesman
• Humanist
• Martyr (in the context of his execution for his beliefs)
• Author of Utopia

Related Phrases

• Utopian ideal: A concept of a perfect society, directly derived from More's book.
  • The commune was founded on a utopian ideal.
• More's dilemma: A reference to the ethical conflict between serving one's sovereign and serving one's conscience.

Noun

1. English statesman who opposed Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon and was imprisoned and beheaded; recalled for his concept of Utopia, the ideal state