Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A surname of notable English historians: "Trevelyan" refers specifically to members of a distinguished British family known for their contributions to historical scholarship and literature.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The works of G. M. Trevelyan remain influential in the study of English social history.
  • Sir George Otto Trevelyan wrote a detailed account of the American Revolution.

Advanced Usage

• The name "Trevelyan" is often used metonymically to refer to a particular style of narrative, Whig-influenced history.
  • His approach to writing history is very Trevelyan in its emphasis on literary quality and broad social trends.

Variants and Related Words

• Trevelyanesque (adj): Characteristic of or resembling the historical works or style associated with the Trevelyan family.
  • The book's engaging narrative is positively Trevelyanesque.

Synonyms

• Historian (when referring to their profession).
• Author (when referring to their literary output).

Notes on Meaning

• The word "Trevelyan" almost exclusively functions as a proper noun referring to this specific family of historians. It is not used as a common noun.
• The two most commonly referenced individuals are:
  • Sir George Otto Trevelyan (1838–1928): Known for his history of the American Revolution and biography of Lord Macaulay.
  • George Macaulay Trevelyan (1876–1962): Known for his social history of England and biography of Garibaldi.

Noun

1. English historian who wrote a history of the American revolution and a biography of his uncle Lord Macaulay (1838-1928)
2. English historian and son of Sir George Otto Trevelyan whose works include a social history of England and a biography of Garibaldi (1876-1962)