cothurnian Definition
- 1pertaining to tragedy or the tragic drama
- 2having a lofty, tragic style
Using cothurnian: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cothurnian" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cothurnian language used in the play heightened the emotional impact of the tragic ending.
Example
The actor's cothurnian performance was praised for its intensity and gravitas.
Example
The director chose a cothurnian approach to the production, emphasizing the grandeur and seriousness of the story.
cothurnian Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with cothurnian
an actor who specializes in playing tragic roles
Example
He was known as a cothurnian actor, famous for his performances in Shakespearean tragedies.
a style of writing or speaking that is grandiose, elevated, and serious, often associated with tragic drama
Example
The speech had a cothurnian style, using lofty language and dramatic pauses to emphasize the importance of the message.
a mask worn by actors in ancient Greek and Roman tragedies, featuring exaggerated expressions and features
Example
The museum had a collection of cothurnian masks, showcasing the different styles and designs used in ancient theater.
Origins of cothurnian
from Latin 'cothurnus', meaning 'buskin', a type of thick-soled boot worn by actors in ancient Greek and Roman tragedies
Summary: cothurnian in Brief
The term 'cothurnian' [kuh-thur-nee-uhn] refers to a style or approach that is grandiose, elevated, and serious, often associated with tragic drama. It can describe language, performance, or writing, as in 'The cothurnian language used in the play heightened the emotional impact of the tragic ending.' 'Cothurnian' has roots in ancient Greek and Roman theater, and extends to modern usage in phrases like 'cothurnian actor,' denoting an actor who specializes in tragic roles.
