Niccolò Machiavelli

8.6

An Italian writer and government leader who wrote about power and how to rule

proper noun
/ˌnɪkəˈloʊ mɑːkiəˈvɛli/

: Niccolò Maquiavelo

The term 'Machiavellian' is derived from the name Niccolò Machiavelli and his ideas about political strategy.

Examples

Many leaders have studied the writings of Niccolò Machiavelli to understand power and governance.
Many students study Niccolò Machiavelli in political science courses.
Niccolò Machiavelli is often cited as the 'father of modern political science.'
The ideas of Niccolò Machiavelli still influence modern politics.
Niccolò Machiavelli is often cited as the 'father of modern political science.'
Many leaders have studied the writings of Niccolò Machiavelli to understand power and governance.
The ideas of Niccolò Machiavelli still influence modern politics.

Surface Forms

Niccolò Machiavelli main

Morphology

Niccolò + Machiavelli

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; the constituents 'Niccolò' and 'Machiavelli' are lexicalized name forms without compositional meaning. Knowing the name forms does not allow a B1 learner to infer the referent's identity or role (Italian political philosopher), so the expression is not derivable from its parts.

Etymology

Niccolò Machiavelli belongs to an Italian writer and politician who wrote a book called 'The Prince' that advised rulers to be clever and sometimes cruel to keep power. That's why 'Machiavellian' today means using clever, often dishonest methods to get or keep power.