Oxfordian
[ox-FOR-dee-ən]
Part of speech: adjective
Origin: From proper name, 17th century
1.
Relating to or denoting the theory that Edward de Vere (1550–1604), Earl of Oxford, wrote the plays attributed to Shakespeare.
Examples of Oxfordian in a sentence
"The Oxfordian lecturer proposed that everything we thought about Shakespeare was false."
"Jane hasn’t yet seen evidence that would turn her from a Shakespeare fan into an Oxfordian."
About Oxfordian
Named for Edward de Vere’s rank as Earl of Oxford, “Oxfordian” combines the proper name of “Oxford” with the suffix “-ian,” indicating “belonging to.”
Did you Know?
Not everyone believes William Shakespeare wrote all – or any – of the famous plays attributed to him. Some believe instead that Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, was the true author. Though nearly all his works have been lost to time, de Vere was considered by many to be one of the best poets of the Court of Elizabeth I. This reputation helped cement the theory that he wrote the work attributed to Shakespeare. However, a majority of Shakespearean scholars have rejected any “alternative authorship” theories.
