Johnsonian

1 of 2

adjective

John·​so·​ni·​an (ˈ)jän¦sōnēən How to pronounce Johnsonian (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Samuel Johnson
a thoroughly Johnsonian conception of decorumDonald Davie
2
: of, relating to, or resembling the literary style of Samuel Johnson: such as
a
: marked by purity, elevation, and grace
the high style is the style that one thinks of as JohnsonianLillian De La Torre
b
: marked by balanced phraseology and excessively Latinic diction
in prolix and Johnsonian styleDinah M. Mulock

Johnsonian

2 of 2

noun

"
plural -s
: a student, follower, or imitator of Samuel Johnson or his writings

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Samuel Johnson + English -ian

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Cite this Entry

“Johnsonian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Johnsonian. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

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