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Parvenu: meaning, definitions and examples

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parvenu

 

[ pษ‘หrหˆvษ™หnuห ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

social status

A parvenu is an individual who has recently acquired wealth or social status, often in a manner that is perceived as ostentatious or lacking in refinement. This term is frequently used in a derogatory sense to describe someone who is seen as trying to elevate their social standing without possessing the cultural or traditional background typically associated with that status. Parvenus may be characterized by their attempts to mimic the behaviors and attitudes of the established elite, which can often lead to social friction.

Synonyms

arriviste, newcomer, nouveau riche, upstart

Examples of usage

  • After his sudden lottery win, he became a parvenu in the neighborhood.
  • The parvenu tried to impress everyone with his expensive purchases.
  • Her parvenu lifestyle drew the disdain of her old friends.
  • He didn't blend in well among the high society crowd; he was clearly a parvenu.

Translations

Translations of the word "parvenu" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น parvenu

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคฐเคตเฅ‡เคจเฅ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Parvenu

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ parvenu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะฐั€ะฒะตะฝัŽ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ parvenu

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ‘ใƒซใƒดใƒ‹ใƒฅ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท parvenu

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ parvenu

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท parvenu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŒŒ๋ฅด๋ฒ ๋‰ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุงุฑูู†ูˆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ parvenu

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ parvenu

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆšดๅ‘ๆˆท

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ parvenu

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ parvenu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะตั€ะฒะตะฝัŽ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒ แƒ•แƒ”แƒœแƒฃ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ parvenu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ parvenu

Etymology

The term 'parvenu' originates from the French language, derived from the verb 'parvenir', meaning 'to reach' or 'to attain'. It was introduced into English in the early 19th century. Initially, the word described individuals who had ascended to wealth or status relatively quickly, often through newly gained riches or through social climbing. Over time, it has taken on a more critical nuance, implying that the individual lacks the grace, sophistication, or cultural heritage typically associated with their newfound status. The distinction between old money and new money further complicates the perception of parvenus, as the former are often viewed as more socially acceptable. This word highlights the tensions between established social classes and those who seek to break into them without the requisite background.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,897 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.