machiavellian — cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics or in advancing one's career
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics or in advancing one's career
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌmækiəˈveliən/
Example Sentences
- The CEO's machiavellian plan involved secretly buying out competitors while pretending to collaborate with them.
- She used machiavellian charm to convince everyone that eating vegetables was actually a punishment for plants.
- His machiavellian approach to office politics made him many enemies but also earned him a promotion.
machiavellian
ADJECTIVE[/ˌmækiəˈveliən/]
cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics or in advancing one's career
a well-dressed executive whispers false information into one colleague's ear while pointing accusingly at another innocent colleague across the table. The executive smiles deceptively while spreading lies to turn people against each other. The whispered-to colleague begins to look angry and suspicious toward the innocent target. The innocent colleague looks confused and hurt as others start glaring at them. Other board members lean in to listen to the gossip, their expressions growing stern and judgmental. cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous behavior to advance one's position
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the name of Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527), an Italian political philosopher who wrote 'The Prince,' advocating that rulers could use any means necessary to maintain power. His name became synonymous with cunning and unscrupulous political behavior.
Breakdown
Machiavelli (Italian surname) + -an (suffix meaning 'relating to' or 'characteristic of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The CEO's machiavellian plan involved secretly buying out competitors while pretending to collaborate with them.”
“She used machiavellian charm to convince everyone that eating vegetables was actually a punishment for plants.”
“His machiavellian approach to office politics made him many enemies but also earned him a promotion.”
“The student's machiavellian strategy was to befriend the teacher's pet, then use insider information about upcoming tests.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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