machiavelli
/'mækiəvəl/ Cách viết khác : (Machiavelli) /,mækiə'veli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- a statesman of Florence who advocated a strong central government (1469-1527)