name Uncommon

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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name

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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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

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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

exhaust holocaust

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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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Words with German origins