Schemer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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schemer

[หˆskiหmษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A person who schemes or plots, especially in a devious or underhanded way.

Synonyms

conspirator, manipulator, plotter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
schemer

A schemer often has a long-term plan or strategy, usually with negative intentions. This term is commonly used when describing someone who plots in a cunning way to achieve specific goals.

  • John was labeled a schemer after his colleagues discovered his plan to take over the project by undermining others
  • 'I wouldn't trust her; she's a well-known schemer
  • '
plotter

A plotter is typically involved in devising a plot or plan, often for deceitful or malicious purposes. The term emphasizes the secretive and often detailed nature of their planning.

  • The plotters met in secret to discuss their plan to take down the government
  • 'They traced the downfall of the company back to a few ambitious plotters in the finance department
  • '
conspirator

A conspirator is someone involved in a secret plan to do something harmful or illegal. The term usually implies a collective effort with others to achieve the harmful objective.

  • Several conspirators were arrested after their plot to sabotage the election was uncovered
  • 'The detectives are trying to identify all the conspirators involved in the scandal
  • '
manipulator

Someone who influences or controls others in a clever or unscrupulous way for their own advantage. This term is often used negatively to describe a person who uses others for personal gain.

  • Everyone saw him as a manipulator after he skillfully shifted the blame onto his innocent colleague
  • 'Sheโ€™s a master manipulator who always gets her way by exploiting others
  • '

Examples of usage

  • He was known as a schemer who always had a hidden agenda.
  • The schemer tried to manipulate his way to the top.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person who makes plans, especially for a particular activity or event.

Synonyms

arranger, organizer, planner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
schemer

This word is often used to describe someone who makes secret or underhanded plans. It can have a negative connotation, suggesting deceit or manipulation.

  • He was known as a schemer in the business world, always plotting behind the scenes.
  • Don't trust her; she's a schemer looking for her next target.
planner

This is a broad term for someone who makes detailed plans for the future, whether for events, projects, or personal goals. It generally carries a positive connotation.

  • As a financial planner, it's her job to help people manage their money wisely.
  • He's an excellent project planner, always thinking several steps ahead.
organizer

This word is used to describe someone who arranges and plans events, activities, or even spaces. It has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • The organizer made sure everything was in place for the conference.
  • She's an expert organizer who can turn any chaotic room into a neatly arranged space.
arranger

This is used for someone who skillfully organizes and coordinates elements in a particular context, usually with a focus on creative or musical composition.

  • The arranger did a fantastic job with the orchestration of the musical.
  • She's known as a talented event arranger, able to put together stunning weddings.

Examples of usage

  • She's the schemer behind the surprise party for his birthday.
  • The schemer organized a successful charity event.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Many movies feature characters who are schemers, often depicted as clever but not always honest.
  • In animated films, scheming characters often provide comic relief by creating chaos.
  • Famous board games often include schemers who try to outsmart others to win.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people who engage in scheming behavior may have higher levels of cunning and strategic thinking.
  • Cognitive flexibility allows schemers to adapt their plans quickly based on the actions of others.
  • Certain personality traits, like high openness and low agreeableness, are often linked to scheming.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features a schemer who plots against the protagonist, driving the story's conflict.
  • Shakespeareโ€™s plays include many characters who are schemers, revealing the darker sides of human nature.
  • Novels in the thriller genre often center around a main character who is a schemer, creating tension and suspense.

History

  • Throughout history, influential leaders have often used scheming tactics to gain power and manipulate situations.
  • Political intrigue across cultures has often involved schemers who conspired in secret to alter their governments.
  • Famous historical figures, like Machiavelli, have written about the art of scheming as a means to achieve political ends.

Origin of 'schemer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'scherme', meaning planning or plotting.
  • In Old Norse, a similar word 'skaema' relates to planning, showing the word's long history.
  • Initially used in a neutral sense, the connotation shifted to a more negative meaning over time.

The word 'schemer' originated from the Middle English word 'schemour', which came from the Old French term 'eschemer', meaning 'to figure out'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to someone who makes plans or plots, often with a negative connotation of deceit or manipulation.


See also: schemers, schemes, scheming.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,744 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.