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Faust

Faust (name) means a legendary German scholar who, according to folklore, traded his soul to the Devil for knowledge and power. Example: “Goethe's play "Faust" retells the legend of the scholar's pact with the Devil.”

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A legendary German scholar who, according to folklore, traded his soul to the Devil for knowledge and power.
"Goethe's play "Faust" retells the legend of the scholar's pact with the Devil."

How to use Faust

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe legendary figure whose name gave us the term "Faustian bargain" — a deal that trades one's soul or integrity for power.

Common pairings
Faustian bargain Faustian pact
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Goethe's play "_____" retells the legend of the scholar's pact with the Devil.

Etymology

Named after Johann Georg Faust, a real German alchemist and magician whose life inspired the legend.

Origin: German

Rhymes for Faust

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Faust” mean?

The word “Faust” means a legendary German scholar who, according to folklore, traded his soul to the Devil for knowledge and power. In plain terms, the legendary figure whose name gave us the term "Faustian bargain" — a deal that trades one's soul or integrity for power.

How do you use “Faust” in a sentence?

Here is “Faust” used in a sentence: “Goethe's play "Faust" retells the legend of the scholar's pact with the Devil.”

What part of speech is “Faust”?

“Faust” is a name.

Where does the word “Faust” come from?

The word “Faust” comes from German. Named after Johann Georg Faust, a real German alchemist and magician whose life inspired the legend.

Is “Faust” a common word?

“Faust” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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