protean

adjective

pro·​te·​an ˈprō-tē-ən 

prō-ˈtē-

1

: of or resembling Proteus in having a varied nature or ability to assume different forms

2

: displaying great diversity or variety : versatile

Did you know?

Proteus was the original master of disguise. According to Greek mythology, the grizzled old shepherd of Poseidon's sea creatures possessed the gift of prophecy but didn't like to share his knowledge. Proteus would escape those who wanted to question him by changing his shape. The only way to get a straight answer from him was to sneak up behind him during his midday nap and hold onto him (while he frantically changed from shape to shape) until he eventually revealed what he knew. The adjective protean describes anyone or anything that is as mutable and adaptable as the mythological sea-shepherd.

Synonyms

• versatile
• adaptable

Examples of protean in a Sentence

a protean actor who is equally comfortable with light comedy and serious drama

Recent Examples on the Web

Mastro’s and Zhou’s books could hardly be more different, but both authors’ perspectives shed light on the still protean multipolar world that is being shaped by the competition between Washington and Beijing. —Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

In this kaleidoscopic geopolitical landscape, relationships are protean and complex. —Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025

The causes of our constitutional disarray are protean. —Janice Rogers Brown, National Review, 22 June 2024

Humanity is a much more complex, protean planetary force than a meteorite strike or glacial retreat. —Jan Zalasiewicz, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for protean

• aegean
• boolean
• korean
• linnaean
• lycian
• plebeian
• ruffian
• wolffian
• adlerian
• caesarian
• cyclopean
• empyrean

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Kids Definition

protean

adjective

pro·​te·​an ˈprōt-ē-ən 

: easily taking different shapes or roles

Etymology

from Proteus, a god of the sea in Greek mythology who could change his form at will

Medical Definition

protean

1 of 2 adjective

pro·​te·​an ˈprōt-ē-ən, prō-ˈtē- 

: displaying great diversity or variety

a disease with protean clinical manifestations

protean

2 of 2 noun

pro·​te·​an ˈprōt-ē-ən 

: any of various insoluble primary protein derivatives that result from a slight modification of the protein molecule especially by the action of water, very dilute acids, or enzymes