The term “Machiavellian” is an adjective derived from the name of Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian political philosopher and writer from the Renaissance era. It is used to describe a person or behavior that is cunning, manipulative, and characterized by a ruthless pursuit of power and self-interest, often without regard for moral or ethical considerations. Machiavellian tactics involve using deceit, manipulation, and strategic cunning to achieve one’s goals, and the term is commonly associated with unscrupulous political practices and power plays.
Niccolò Machiavelli’s most famous work, “The Prince,” explores the nature of political power and provides pragmatic advice to rulers on how to gain and maintain control. His writings are often interpreted as advocating for a cold and calculating approach to politics, leading to the popularization of the term “Machiavellian” to describe individuals or actions with similar characteristics.
In contemporary usage, describing someone as Machiavellian implies that they are shrewd, cunning, and willing to use any means necessary to achieve their objectives, even if it involves deceit or manipulation of others.
Equivalent in Indonesian: In Indonesian, the equivalent term for “Machiavellian” is “Makavelian.”
Sample sentences using the term “Machiavellian”:
- The CEO’s Machiavellian tactics allowed him to outmaneuver his competitors and secure a dominant position in the market.
- The politician’s Machiavellian approach to campaigning involved spreading misinformation to tarnish his opponent’s reputation.
- The Machiavellian leader manipulated the loyalty of his followers to maintain control over the organization.
- The Machiavellian scheming within the company led to internal conflicts and a toxic work environment.
- Her Machiavellian behavior in the office made her coworkers wary of her true intentions.
- The villain in the movie used Machiavellian strategies to undermine the hero and seize power.
- The political strategist employed Machiavellian tactics to consolidate his candidate’s position in the polls.
- The history of politics is rife with examples of Machiavellian leaders who prioritized power over ethics.
- The Machiavellian ruler maintained a facade of benevolence while ruthlessly suppressing dissent.
- Recognizing the Machiavellian nature of some individuals, the team took measures to protect their interests.
Lists of related words:
Synonyms:
- Cunning
- Manipulative
- Deceitful
- Shrewd
- Opportunistic
Antonyms:
- Honest
- Transparent
- Trustworthy
- Principled
Related words:
- Politics
- Strategy
- Power-play
- Deception
- Ambition
Phrasal verbs:
- Play upon (as in “the Machiavellian leader played upon his followers’ emotions”)
- Scheme against (as in “the rival groups schemed against each other using Machiavellian tactics”)
Idioms:
- Pull strings
- Walk over someone’s dead body
Conclusion:
Machiavellian refers to a person or behavior characterized by cunning, manipulation, and a ruthless pursuit of power and self-interest. The term originates from Niccolò Machiavelli’s writings, which explored the nature of political power and the pragmatic strategies employed by rulers to maintain control. In contemporary usage, the term “Machiavellian” is often associated with unscrupulous and deceitful actions, particularly in the political and organizational context. Identifying and understanding Machiavellian tendencies can help individuals and groups be more vigilant and cautious in their interactions with others, particularly in high-stakes situations.
