Everyman Meaning
/ˈɛvɹiːˌmæn/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounIn fiction, drama, or allegory, the archetypical ordinary individual, frequently the protagonist in a parable of some sort.
Sentence Examples
The play portrayed an everyman character.
The everyman hero was relatable.
The main character is designed to represent an ordinary everyman.
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the story, the ____ represents the average person facing challenges.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The character in the play represents the ____, struggling with common human problems.
Word Origin & History
Perhaps from the Flemish play Elckerlijc (c. 1495) or its English translation Everyman (c. 1520).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Eternal Life is now on my trail / Got my red glitter coffin, man, just need one last nail / While all these ugly gentlemen play out their foolish games / There's a flaming red horizon that screams our names / And as your fantasies are broken in two / Did you really think this bloody road would pave the way for you? / You better turn around and blow your kiss hello to life eternal, angel / Racist everyman, what have you done? / Man, you've made a killer of your unborn son / Crown my fear your king at the point of a gun / All I want to do is love everyone"
— 1995, “Eternal Life”, in Grace (Hard Rock), performed by Jeff Buckley, United States:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the story, the ____ represents the average person facing challenges.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The character in the play represents the ____, struggling with common human problems.