Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A Florentine statesman and political philosopher: Niccolò Machiavelli was a 16th-century Italian diplomat, author, and philosopher, best known for his political treatise The Prince.
   • A byword for cunning and ruthless political strategy: The name "Machiavelli" is often used to describe someone or something characterized by manipulative, deceitful, or amoral tactics, especially in politics.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Machiavelli wrote 'The Prince' as advice for rulers.
  • The diplomat's tactics were compared to those of Machiavelli.
  • In political science, we studied the ideas of Machiavelli.

Advanced Usage

• Machiavellian (adjective): Describes cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous behavior, especially in politics.
  • His rise to power was marked by Machiavellian maneuvers.
• Machiavellianism (noun): The political philosophy or the use of cunning and duplicity in statecraft or in general conduct.
  • The novel explores the theme of Machiavellianism in corporate culture.

Variants and Related Words

• Machiavellian (adj): Of or relating to the principles of Machiavelli; characterized by political cunning or duplicity.
• Machiavellianism (n): The political theory or conduct associated with Machiavelli.

Synonyms

• Schemer: A person who engages in secret or underhanded plans.
• Realpolitik (n): Politics based on practical and material factors rather than on theoretical or ethical objectives (a related concept).
• Cunning (adj/n): Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To be a Machiavelli: To be a person who is cunning, manipulative, and unscrupulous.
  • In the boardroom, he was considered a real Machiavelli.
• Machiavellian tactics: Strategies that are clever, deceptive, and focused on gaining and maintaining power by any means.
  • The campaign was accused of using Machiavellian tactics to discredit the opponent.

Noun

1. a statesman of Florence who advocated a strong central government (1469-1527)