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Machiavelli

The origin and history of Machiavelli.

Etymology

From Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527), the Italian political writer whose book The Prince argued that rulers may need to use ruthless, unscrupulous methods to gain and keep power.

Origin: Italian · First attested 1469

Class of 1469

Machiavelli first entered the language around 1469. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1469 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.