machiavellian
Meaning: Cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics or business; employing manipulation and deception to achieve power.
Machiavellian is always pejorative, describing calculated, amoral manipulation to achieve one's goals. In psychology, Machiavellianism is one of the 'Dark Triad' personality traits (alongside narcissism and psychopathy). The word is used in politics, business, and interpersonal dynamics. It collocates with 'tactics,' 'scheming,' 'manipulation,' 'plot,' 'approach,' and 'manoeuvres.'
Examples
- His machiavellian manoeuvres behind the scenes ensured he emerged as the sole candidate for leadership. 他在幕后的阴险操纵确保自己成为唯一的领导候选人。Sus maquiavélicas maniobras entre bastidores aseguraron que él emergiera como único candidato a la presidencia.彼の舞台裏でのマキャベリ的な策略により、彼はリーダーシップの唯一の候補者として浮上しました。그의 배후에서의 마키아벨리적 책략 덕분에 그는 유일한 지도자 후보로 부상했다.
- The thriller depicted a machiavellian plot to seize control of the country's largest corporation. 这部惊悚片描绘了一个旨在夺取该国最大企业控制权的阴险阴谋。El thriller retrataba un maquiavélico complot para hacerse con el control de la mayor empresa del país.そのスリラー映画は、国内最大の企業の支配権を奪取するマキャベリ的な陰謀を描いていました。그 스릴러는 국내 최대 기업의 지배권을 장악하려는 마키아벨리적 음모를 그렸다.
- She described the office politics as machiavellian, with colleagues constantly undermining one another. 她形容办公室政治是马基雅维利式的,同事们不断暗中互相拆台。Describió la política de oficina como maquiavélica, con compañeros socavándose constantemente unos a otros.彼女はオフィスの政治をマキャベリ的だと表現し、同僚たちが絶えず互いの足を引っ張っていると言いました。그녀는 사내 정치를 마키아벨리적이라 묘사하며, 동료들이 끊임없이 서로의 발목을 잡고 있다고 말했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527), Italian diplomat and author of The Prince (Il Principe), which argued that rulers should use any means necessary to maintain power. The adjective entered English in the late 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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