Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Picaresque: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“–
Add to dictionary

picaresque

 

[ หŒpษชkษ™หˆrษ›sk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

literary style

Picaresque refers to a genre of prose fiction that originated in Spain. It typically depicts the adventures and escapades of a roguish protagonist, known as a picaro, who lives by his wits in a corrupt society. The storytelling is often humorous and satirical, focusing on the misadventures of the character as they navigate through different social classes and experiences. This genre often emphasizes social criticism and is characterized by its episodic structure and a focus on realistic detail.

Synonyms

adventurous, roguish, witty.

Examples of usage

  • The picaresque novel often features a charming antihero.
  • Cervantes' work is considered a precursor to many picaresque narratives.
  • The picaresque character endears himself to the reader despite his flaws.

Translations

Translations of the word "picaresque" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น picaresco

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคฟเค•เคฐเฅ‡เคธเฅเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช picaresk

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ picaresque

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะบะฐั€ะตัะบะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ pikarejski

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ”ใ‚ซใƒฌใ‚นใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท picaresque

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ picaresco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท pikaresk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ”ผ์นด๋ ˆ์Šคํฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจูŠูƒุงุฑูŠุณูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pikaresknรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pikaresknรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆตๆตชๆฑ‰ๅฐ่ฏด็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pikarski

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ picaresque

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะธะบะฐั€ะตัะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ˜แƒ™แƒแƒ แƒ”แƒกแƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pikareลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ picaresco

Etymology

The term 'picaresque' comes from the Spanish word 'pรญcaro,' which means 'rogue' or 'rascal.' This literary form gained prominence in the 16th century with works like 'Lazarillo de Tormes,' which showcased a young boy's cleverness and resilience as he navigated a series of misfortunes. The genre became particularly popular during the Spanish Golden Age, reflecting the social and political climate of the time. As the Picaresque tradition spread throughout Europe, it influenced many authors, including Jonathan Swift and Henry Fielding, who adopted its elements into their own storytelling. The combination of humor, adventure, and social critique made picaresque novels timeless classics, influencing modern literature.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,397, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.