Stratagem: meaning, definitions and examples

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stratagem

[ˈstræt.ə.dʒəm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

warfare

A plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end.

Synonyms

maneuver, plan, scheme, tactic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stratagem	Used when referring to a clever or sneaky plan designed to outwit an opponent or achieve a goal, often implying cunning. They came up with a brilliant stratagem to outsmart their rivals. Her stratagem to win the game involved misleading her opponent.
scheme	Often implies a secret or dishonest plan, carrying a negative connotation. The CEO was caught in a scheme to embezzle funds. They uncovered a scheme to cheat on the exam.
plan	Used in everyday contexts to describe a detailed proposal for achieving something. It is a broad term that can be applied to various situations. Let's make a plan for our trip next month. She devised a plan to improve her fitness routine.
tactic	Best used when referring to an action or strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific end, often in competitive situations. His defensive tactic helped the team avoid a loss. She employed a clever tactic to win the negotiations.
maneuver	Appropriate in contexts where skillful or strategic movement or action is involved, often in a physical or military sense. The general's maneuver led the troops to a favorable position. He executed a delicate maneuver to avoid the oncoming traffic.

Examples of usage

He was known for his clever stratagems on the battlefield.
The general devised a brilliant stratagem to surprise the enemy.
Their success was due to a series of well-executed stratagems.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A cleverly contrived trick or scheme for gaining an end.

Synonyms

gambit, ploy, ruse, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stratagem	A well-thought-out plan or scheme designed for achieving a specific end, often in a competitive or adversarial situation. The general devised a clever stratagem to outmaneuver the enemy forces. Her stratagem to win the game involved distracting her opponent at a crucial moment.
trick	A specific act or method used to deceive someone, often considered to be somewhat dishonest or playful. It can be used in both negative and lighthearted contexts. He played a trick on her by hiding her keys. The magician's trick left the audience in awe.
ploy	A tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, often by slightly deceptive means. It is usually used in a more casual or everyday context. Her ploy to avoid doing homework was pretending to be sick. The advertisement was just a ploy to get customers into the store.
ruse	A deceitful trick or act intended to mislead or deceive someone. The thief used a ruse to distract the guard while his partner stole the jewels. It was all a ruse to make us think he was out of town.
gambit	A calculated move or tactic, especially one that involves some risk or sacrifice, used to gain an advantage in a game or situation. Asking a question to start the negotiation was an interesting gambit. In chess, he made a bold gambit by sacrificing his queen early in the game.

Examples of usage

She employed a stratagem to get the information she needed.
The politician's stratagem to win the election was successful.
His stratagem involved a series of carefully orchestrated moves.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'stratagemat-' meaning 'to plan a military operation'.
It made its way into English in the late 16th century, carrying military connotations.
Related words include 'strategy' and 'strategic', emphasizing planning.

Military History

Used extensively in warfare, stratagems have influenced great battles throughout history.
Famous military leaders like Sun Tzu and Napoleon Bonaparte frequently employed clever tactics to outsmart enemies.
The concept is central to many historical conflicts, showcasing the importance of wit over sheer strength.

Literature

Stratagems appear in classic literature, often as plots to outsmart villains or secure victory.
Shakespeare's plays often feature characters employing clever tricks to achieve their desires.
In modern literature, protagonists might use stratagems to navigate complex situations.

Pop Culture

In movies and television, clever schemes are often portrayed as pivotal turning points in the story.
Games like chess and strategic video games highlight the importance of planning and tactical thinking.
Films like 'Ocean's Eleven' show how a group can collaborate on an elaborate stratagem to achieve a goal.

Psychology

People often use stratagems in their daily lives to solve problems or persuade others.
Understanding how others strategize can enhance negotiation skills and interpersonal relationships.
Cognitive biases can affect the development and success of a stratagem, showcasing human psychology in decision-making.

Translations

Translations of the word "stratagem" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estratagema

🇮🇳 चाल

🇩🇪 List

🇮🇩 siasat

🇺🇦 стратегема

🇵🇱 fortel

🇯🇵 策略 (さくりゃく)

🇫🇷 stratagème

🇪🇸 estratagema

🇹🇷 strateji

🇰🇷 책략 (책략)

🇸🇦 حيلة

🇨🇿 lest

🇸🇰 lesť

🇨🇳 策略 (cèlüè)

🇸🇮 trik

🇮🇸 bragð

🇰🇿 айла

🇬🇪 ხერხი

🇦🇿 hiylə

🇲🇽 estratagema

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,695, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20692 coyote
20693 incongruity
20694 paging
20695 stratagem
20696 insubordination
20697 alternator
20698 jovial
...