EVERYMEN Meaning and
Definition
-
Everyman, which is sometimes written as "everymen," is a term used to refer to an ordinary individual, typically a male, who represents the average person or the typical human in a situation or context. This character archetype serves as an embodiment of the common human experience, exhibiting qualities and facing challenges that most individuals can relate to.
Derived from the medieval English play "Everyman," the term has evolved beyond its original theatrical context and is now widely used in literature, drama, and even everyday language. Everymen are presented as relatable figures who navigate universal themes such as life, death, morality, and the human condition.
An everyman is often characterized by his lack of exceptional qualities, which contributes to his persona as an ordinary and relatable individual. Through the everyman, authors and playwrights aim to engage audiences on a deeper level, tapping into their shared experiences, emotions, and perspectives. In many cases, everymen are confronted with moral dilemmas or personal crises, allowing for introspection and exploration of various societal and philosophical themes.
By employing an everyman character, artists seek to connect with a broad audience, fostering empathy and resonating with the collective human experience. This literary technique serves to humanize complex concepts and challenges, as well as to encourage self-reflection and contemplation among readers or viewers.
Common Misspellings for EVERYMEN
- everyman
- everryman
- evryman
- everymin
- wverymen
- sverymen
- dverymen
- rverymen
- 4verymen
- 3verymen
- ecerymen
- eberymen
- egerymen
- eferymen
- evwrymen
- evsrymen
- evdrymen
- evrrymen
- ev4rymen
- ev3rymen
Etymology of EVERYMEN
The term "everyman" originated from the Middle English phrase "every man". It was first used as a noun, as early as the 15th century, to refer to an ordinary or typical person. The compound word "everyman" is a combination of "every" and "man", emphasizing the notion of universality and representing all individuals in general. Over time, "everyman" attained a symbolic meaning, representing the common human experience or the average person facing universal issues and dilemmas. The term has been widely used in literature and drama, most notably in the anonymous morality play, "Everyman", written in the late 15th century.
