Conspiring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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conspiring
[kənˈspaɪərɪŋ ]
Definitions
in a secretive manner
Engaging in a secretive plan with others to commit an unlawful or harmful act.
Synonyms
colluding, plotting, scheming.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| conspiring |
Used when people secretly plan together to commit something harmful or illegal. This word often has a negative connotation.
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| plotting |
Used when referring to a secret plan to do something harmful or illegal, often with a focus on detailed planning and scheming. It can be used in both negative and neutral contexts.
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| colluding |
Appropriate when people are working together secretly for a deceitful or illegal purpose, often in a business or political context. It usually implies cooperation with a common goal of committing fraud or deception.
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| scheming |
Implies making secret plans, especially for doing something dishonest or harmful. It typically has a negative connotation and suggests cleverness or cunning.
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Examples of usage
- The group was conspiring to overthrow the government.
- She was accused of conspiring with the enemy.
in a positive manner
Working together towards a common goal or purpose.
Synonyms
collaborating, cooperating, uniting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| conspiring |
Use in negative situations where individuals or groups secretly plan something harmful or illegal.
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| collaborating |
Use in positive or neutral situations where people work together on a project or task, often in a formal or professional setting.
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| cooperating |
Use in situations where people are working together willingly and helpfully, often to achieve a common goal.
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| uniting |
Use in situations where individuals or groups come together for a common cause or to join forces, often to show solidarity or achieve a significant objective.
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Examples of usage
- The team was conspiring to create a successful business.
- They were conspiring to bring about positive change in their community.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Events
- The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 is a famous example where a group conspired to blow up the English Parliament to assassinate King James I.
- In modern history, conspiracies have been central to political scandals such as Watergate, which involved secret plans to cover up abuses of power.
- Many coups throughout history involved groups conspiring to overthrow governments, changing the course of nations.
Pop Culture
- In movies and books, conspiring often leads to thrilling plots, as seen in stories like 'Ocean's Eleven' where characters scheme a heist.
- Popular TV shows often explore themes of conspiracy, such as 'The X-Files', where the characters investigate secret government plots.
- Video games frequently incorporate conspiring elements, allowing players to plan covert missions together.
Psychology
- Studies show that people involved in conspiracies often experience a sense of camaraderie, as they bond over shared secrets.
- The need to belong is a strong motivator. Some individuals may join conspiracies to feel included or powerful.
- However, involvement in nefarious plans can lead to guilt and anxiety, particularly if moral beliefs conflict with the conspiracy.
Literature
- Many classic novels feature conspiracies, such as 'Julius Caesar' by Shakespeare, where betrayal and secret plotting play critical roles.
- In 'The Da Vinci Code', the characters uncover a conspiracy that affects the very foundation of history and religion.
- Conspiratorial themes are common in detective fiction, where the protagonist often needs to unravel plots crafted in secrecy.
Origin of 'conspiring'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'conspirare' which means 'to breathe together', referring to people coming together to plan.
- It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, evolving to focus more on secretive or deceitful plans.
- Many related words stem from the same root, such as 'inspire' and 'respire', showing how collaboration can be both positive and negative.
The word 'conspire' originated from the Latin word 'conspirare', meaning 'to breathe together'. The concept of conspiring has been present throughout history, often associated with secretive plots or alliances. In modern usage, 'conspiring' can have both negative and positive connotations, depending on the context in which it is used.
See also: conspiracy, conspirator.