parvenu — a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrity
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpɑːrvəˌnuː/
Example Sentences
- The cryptocurrency millionaire felt like a parvenu at the country club full of inherited wealth.
- She decorated her mansion like a parvenu, with gold everything and no taste.
- The old aristocrats whispered about the tech parvenu who bought the historic estate.
parvenu
NOUN[/ˈpɑːrvəˌnuː/]
a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrity

a flashily dressed man with expensive jewelry and designer clothes loudly boasts about his recent business success to uncomfortable aristocrats. He gestures wildly while showing off his gold watch and diamond rings to the refined guests. The old-money members exchange disapproving glances and whisper behind their hands about his crude behavior. Their stiff postures and raised eyebrows contrast sharply with his animated bragging and ostentatious display. Other club members turn away or look down their noses at his obvious attempt to fit into their exclusive social circle. a person of humble origins who has gained wealth and influence but lacks the refined manners of established society
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French 'parvenu' meaning 'one who has arrived,' from the verb 'parvenir' (to arrive/reach). Originally neutral, it gained negative connotations as established elites used it dismissively for newly wealthy people.
Breakdown
par- (through/completely) + ven- (to come) + -u (past participle ending) = 'one who has come through/arrived'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The cryptocurrency millionaire felt like a parvenu at the country club full of inherited wealth.”
“She decorated her mansion like a parvenu, with gold everything and no taste.”
“The old aristocrats whispered about the tech parvenu who bought the historic estate.”
“Despite his billions, he was still treated as a parvenu by the elite social circles.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.