Goethian

/ɡəˈθiːən/ adjective, noun

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the famous German writer, poet, and philosopher, or his works and ideas.

Etymology

From the proper name Goethe (the German poet and author, 1749-1832) plus the suffix '-ian' (relating to or following). Goethe's name has German origins from 'Goth' or 'good.' The suffix '-ian' is standard for creating adjectives from proper names, appearing since medieval times.

Kelly Says

Goethe was basically the Renaissance man of the 18th century—writer, scientist, lawyer, politician—and his ideas about nature and human emotion influenced everyone from Darwin to modern psychology!

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