Triumvirate: meaning, definitions and examples

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triumvirate

[traɪˈʌmvərɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

political

A group of three powerful people who rule or control a country or organization together, especially in ancient Rome.

Synonyms

tricolon, trio, triple alliance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
triumvirate	Used to describe a group of three powerful people or leaders working together, especially in a political or historical context. The country's leadership was once controlled by a triumvirate of generals. The ancient Roman triumvirate consisted of Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.
trio	Used to describe any group of three people or things that work together, often in music or casual contexts. The jazz trio played beautifully all night. They are a famous trio of comedians.
triple alliance	Used specifically to describe a formal political or military agreement between three parties, often with historical or strategic implications. The Triple Alliance of 1882 included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The triple alliance between those nations changed the course of history.
tricolon	Used in literature and rhetoric to describe a series of three parallel elements (words, phrases, or clauses) in a sentence. I came, I saw, I conquered. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Examples of usage

The triumvirate of Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus was a significant political alliance in ancient Rome.
The ruling triumvirate struggled to maintain power and control in a time of political unrest.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A group of three individuals working together in a cooperative and coordinated manner.

Synonyms

team, trio, triple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
triumvirate	Repeating the word 'triumvirate.' Explanation provided in the first entry. Example repeated: The company's leadership was controlled by a triumvirate of skilled executives. Example repeated: In ancient Rome, a triumvirate was a ruling body of three officials.
trio	This is used to describe a group of three, often in an artistic or musical context, but it can also be used in any informal setting. The jazz trio performed beautifully at the concert. They were known as the inseparable trio during their college days.
triple	This term is often used to describe something that has three parts or is three times as much, frequently found in mathematical or numerical contexts. He scored a triple in the last inning of the game. The recipe calls for triple the amount of sugar than usual.
team	This is used to refer to a group of people working together towards a common goal, generally in a casual or professional setting. Our project team managed to meet all the deadlines. She loves working as part of a team.

Examples of usage

The triumvirate of chefs collaborated to create a unique and delicious menu for the restaurant.
The three friends formed a triumvirate to tackle the project efficiently and effectively.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term originated in ancient Rome to describe a political group of three leaders who shared power.
Famous examples include the First Triumvirate, consisting of Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus, who dominated Roman politics.
The Second Triumvirate formed after Caesar's assassination, with Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus working to control Rome.

Political Science

Triumvirates are often formed in times of crisis when unified leadership is needed.
Historical triumvirates frequently face challenges, such as power struggles or betrayals, leading to shifting alliances.
In modern contexts, the idea of a triumvirate can apply to any three-person leadership group, from boards of directors to committees.

Literature

Triumvirates have been portrayed in plays and novels as symbols of ambition and the struggle for power.
William Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' explores themes of loyalty and betrayal in the context of a triumvirate post-Caesar's death.
Many authors use the concept of three characters working together to symbolize balance or conflict within a narrative.

Pop Culture

In film and television, triumvirates often appear as groups of three heroes or protagonists who must unite to overcome obstacles.
Classic examples include the trio of characters in 'The Lord of the Rings' – Frodo, Sam, and Aragorn, who work together for a common goal.
Various musical bands, like the Bee Gees, can also be seen as a triumvirate where three members harmonize their strengths.

Psychology

Group dynamics can shift in a trio; one person may often take the lead while the other two support or challenge decisions.
Triads can be more stable than pairs, as they provide greater emotional and social support among members.
Research shows that groups of three can enhance collaboration, as they allow for diverse perspectives while minimizing conflict.

Translations

Translations of the word "triumvirate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 triunvirato

🇮🇳 त्रयी

🇩🇪 Triumvirat

🇮🇩 triumvirat

🇺🇦 тріумвірат

🇵🇱 triumwirat

🇯🇵 三頭政治 (さんとうせいじ)

🇫🇷 triumvirat

🇪🇸 triunvirato

🇹🇷 üçlü yönetim

🇰🇷 삼두 정치 (三頭政治)

🇸🇦 ثالوث

🇨🇿 triumvirát

🇸🇰 triumvirát

🇨🇳 三头同盟 (三頭同盟)

🇸🇮 triumvirat

🇮🇸 þríeyki

🇰🇿 үштік одақ

🇬🇪 სამთა კონსულატი

🇦🇿 triumvirat

🇲🇽 triunvirato

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,994, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26991 declassified
26992 leer
26993 tentacle
26994 triumvirate
26995 psychedelic
26996 statuettes
26997 circumscribe
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