DictionaryRoot: -ian
English
-ian
connected with; a person belonging to
Forms
- -ian
- -an — A related shorter ending used in other formations.
Origin
Chiefly from Latin -ianus and -anus through French.
Note
It can describe an association or name a person with that association.
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noun / adjective
thespian
THES-pee-un/ˈθespiən/
An actor, especially in theater.
Etymology
Thespis was a semi-legendary poet often called the father of Greek tragedy. The adjective formed from his name described tragedy or dramatic acting, then became a noun for an actor.