ENGLISH
REFERENCE

watson

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈwɑtsən// wat·son

n. a loyal friend or assistant who helps a main character solve a problem. It comes from the name of the doctor who helps the famous detective Sherlock Holmes.

n. a loyal assistant or companion to a protagonist, typically serving as a foil or a chronicler of the main character's exploits. Derived from the character Dr. John Watson in the Sherlock Holmes stories.


SIMPLE

Every great detective needs a Watson to help them.

CONTEXTUAL

In many modern crime dramas, the lead investigator relies on a reliable Watson to handle the practical details of the case.

COMPLEX

The narrative structure often utilizes a Watson to bridge the gap between the protagonist's genius and the reader's understanding, providing a grounded perspective on extraordinary events.

Origin

From Wat + -son.

Usage

Often used as a common noun to describe a specific character archetype in literature and film.

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