释义 |
View usage for: (proʊtiən) adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]If you describe someone or something as protean, you mean that they have the ability to continually change their nature, appearance, or behaviour. [formal] He is a protean stylist who can move from blues to ballads and grand symphony. Synonyms: changeable, variable, volatile, versatile More Synonyms of protean protean in British English (prəʊˈtiːən, ˈprəʊtɪən) adjectivereadily taking on various shapes or forms; variable Word origin C16: from Proteusprotean in American English 1 (ˈproʊtiən; proʊˈtiən) adjective1. [P-] of or like Proteus 2. very changeable; readily taking on different shapes and forms protean in American English 2 (ˈproʊtiən) noun any of a group of insoluble derived proteins that are the first products of the action of water, dilute acids, or enzymes on proteins Word origin protein + -an Examples of 'protean' in a sentenceprotean There was a creature of burnished shadow in her, dark and sleek and protean. Definition capable of constantly changing shape or form the protean and complex nature of his work Synonyms ever-changing many-sided polymorphous multiform Additional synonymsDefinition lively and unpredictable his mercurial temperament Synonyms capricious, volatile, unpredictable, erratic, variable, unstable, fickle, temperamental, impulsive, irrepressible, changeable, quicksilver, flighty, inconstantDefinition able to or tending to change Time, space and matter are mutable realities. Synonyms changeable, changing, variable, flexible, uncertain, volatile, unsettled, unstable, inconsistent, wavering, unreliable, fickle, adaptable, unsteady, vacillating, irresolute, undependable, inconstant, alterable Definition (of a person) tending to be moody and have sudden outbursts of anger The patient was given to temperamental outbursts and paranoia. Synonyms moody, emotional, touchy, sensitive, explosive, passionate, volatile, fiery, impatient, erratic, irritable, mercurial, excitable, capricious, petulant, hot-headed, chippy (informal), hypersensitive, highly strung, easily upset, unstable- prostration
- prosy
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- protean
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Additional synonymsDefinition likely to change at any time Weather conditions are variable and change from day to day. Synonyms changeable, unstable, fluctuating, shifting, flexible, wavering, uneven, fickle, temperamental, mercurial, capricious, unsteady, protean, vacillating, fitful, mutable, inconstant, chameleonic Definition having many different skills or uses He stood out as one of the game's most versatile athletes. Synonyms adaptable, flexible, all-round, resourceful, protean, multifaceted, many-sided, all-singing, all-dancing Definition (of circumstances) liable to sudden change There have been riots before and the situation is volatile. Synonyms changeable, shifting, variable, unsettled, unstable, explosive, unreliable, unsteady, inconstant |