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stratagème — meaning in English

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English meaning

  • contrivance noun A (mechanical) device to perform a certain task.
  • device noun A piece of equipment, especially electronic or mechanical, built to perform a specific job.
  • gambit noun In chess, an opening move where a player deliberately gives up a pawn or piece to gain a stronger position.
  • gimmick noun A clever trick, feature, or gadget used mainly to attract attention rather than add real value.
  • ploy noun A cunning tactic or trick used to gain an advantage.
  • stratagem noun A clever plan or trick, especially one meant to outwit an opponent.

Senses

stratagème is used for these senses in English:

  • contrivance A means, such as an elaborate plan or strategy, to accomplish a certain objective.
  • device A project or scheme, often designed to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice. 1602, Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor. "This is our device,/ That Falstaff at that oak shall meet with us."
  • gambit Any ploy or stratagem.
  • gimmick A ploy or strategy used to attract attention or gain traction.
  • ploy A tactic, strategy, or scheme.
  • stratagem Specifically, such a tactic or artifice in military operation.

contrivance — full definition

  1. noun A (mechanical) device to perform a certain task.
  2. noun A means, such as an elaborate plan or strategy, to accomplish a certain objective.
  3. noun Something overly artful or artificial.

device — full definition

  1. noun A piece of equipment, especially electronic or mechanical, built to perform a specific job.
  2. noun A scheme or trick, often meant to deceive or gain advantage.
  3. noun A technique a writer or speaker uses deliberately to create an effect, such as a rhetorical or literary device.

Related French words