Mastermind: meaning, definitions and examples

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mastermind

 

[ ˈmastərˌmīnd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

game

A person who has exceptional skill or ability in a particular area, especially in devising strategies or solving complex problems.

Synonyms

expert, genius, maestro, virtuoso

Examples of usage

  • He was considered a mastermind in the field of artificial intelligence.
  • The criminal mastermind had planned the heist down to the smallest detail.
Context #2 | Noun

crime

A person who plans and orchestrates a criminal operation, often with multiple layers of complexity.

Synonyms

architect, brains, ringleader

Examples of usage

  • The police were on the hunt for the mastermind behind the drug trafficking ring.
  • The mastermind behind the embezzlement scheme was finally caught.

Translations

Translations of the word "mastermind" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mentor

🇮🇳 मास्टरमाइंड

🇩🇪 Mastermind

🇮🇩 otak

🇺🇦 натхненник

🇵🇱 mózg operacji

🇯🇵 首謀者

🇫🇷 cerveau

🇪🇸 cerebro

🇹🇷 deha

🇰🇷 주도자

🇸🇦 العقل المدبر

🇨🇿 mozek operace

🇸🇰 mozog operácie

🇨🇳 策划者

🇸🇮 možganski trust

🇮🇸 snillingur

🇰🇿 ақылгөй

🇬🇪 გონების ბნელი

🇦🇿 beyin

🇲🇽 cerebro

Word origin

The term 'mastermind' originated in the late 19th century, combining 'master' (meaning a skilled or knowledgeable person) and 'mind' (referring to the intellect or mental ability). Initially used in a positive context to describe someone with exceptional abilities, it later evolved to also refer to individuals orchestrating complex criminal activities.

See also: masterful, masterfully, masterpiece, masterpieces, masters, masterwork, mastery.