Definition of parvenu
parvenus
play \ˈpär-və-ˌn(y)üz\: one that has recently or suddenly risen to an unaccustomed position of wealth or power and has not yet gained the prestige, dignity, or manner associated with it
parvenu
adjectiveExplore Merriam-Webster
parvenu was our Word of the Day on 02/08/2014. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of parvenu in a Sentence
the kind of trophy house that a parvenu buys to prove to people, and to himself, that he has indeed arrived
Did You Know?
French has been generous in providing us with terms for obscure folks who suddenly strike it rich. In addition to parvenu, French has loaned us nouveau riche, arriviste, and roturier, all of which can describe a rich person of plebeian origins, especially one who is a bit snobby. Those colorful and slightly disparaging terms for the newly moneyed clearly show their French heritage, but it may be harder to see the French background of a term Massachusetts locals once used for coastal merchants made rich through the fishing trade: codfish aristocracy. Codfish comes from Middle English, but aristocracy passed into English via Middle French.
PARVENU Defined for English Language Learners
parvenu
playDefinition of parvenu for English Language Learners
-
: a person from usually a low social position who has recently or suddenly become wealthy, powerful, or successful but who is not accepted by other wealthy, powerful, and successful people
Learn More about parvenu
-
See words that rhyme with parvenu Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for parvenu Spanish Central: Translation of parvenu Nglish: Translation of parvenu for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up parvenu? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!