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Conspiratorial: meaning, definitions and examples

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conspiratorial

 

[kənˌspɪrəˈtɔːriəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

secretive behavior

Conspiratorial refers to the nature of secretive or deceitful plans, often involving a group conspiring together to achieve a specific aim. It can imply a hidden agenda or a sense of complicity among those involved. The term is often used in contexts related to secret societies, political plots, or any covert activities.

Synonyms

deceptive, secretive, sly.

Examples of usage

  • The conspiratorial whispers filled the room.
  • They exchanged conspiratorial glances during the meeting.
  • Her tone had a conspiratorial hint that intrigued me.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'conspirare', meaning 'to breathe together', suggesting a group coming together for a common purpose.
  • First recorded use of 'conspiratorial' in English dates back to the early 19th century, highlighting the long-standing interest in secret plans.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'together', while 'spirare' refers to 'breathing', illustrating the intimate nature of such plans.

Pop Culture

  • 'Conspiratorial' themes are prevalent in movies and books, often portrayed in thrillers where protagonists uncover hidden agendas.
  • Popular television shows often feature conspiratorial plots, such as 'The X-Files', which explores government cover-ups and alien theories.
  • In modern media, conspiracy theories can go viral, spreading rapidly on social platforms and influencing public opinion.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that individuals who believe in conspiratorial theories often distrust official sources of information.
  • The 'illusion of knowledge' can lead people to interpret ambiguous social situations as conspiratorial when they crave understanding.
  • Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, lead individuals to seek information that supports their conspiratorial beliefs while ignoring contradicting evidence.

History

  • Throughout history, many actual conspiracies have led to significant events, such as the Catiline Conspiracy in ancient Rome, which aimed to overthrow the government.
  • The Gunpowder Plot of 1605, where a group sought to blow up the English parliament, is one of the most infamous historical conspiracies.
  • The term 'conspiracy theory' gained prominence during the 20th century, particularly following major political events that prompted public suspicion.

Literature

  • Literary works often utilize conspiratorial themes to build suspense, such as in George Orwell's '1984', where characters question the truth of their reality.
  • Conspiracy-driven narratives in novels often serve as commentary on societal issues, reflecting readers’ anxieties about governance and control.
  • Classic detective stories frequently unveil conspiracies as the protagonist uncovers layers of deceit, showcasing the genre's attraction to the hidden.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,454, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.