Rasputin
Rasputin (noun) means By extension from the historical figure, any manipulative advisor or insider who gains excessive, often sinister influence over a powerful person. Example: “Critics called the aide a modern-day rasputin, whispering in the minister's ear on every decision.”
How to use Rasputin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed, lowercase, as a general label for a scheming behind-the-scenes advisor — not just the historical person.
Almost always used disparagingly, implying the advisor's influence is unhealthy or self-serving.
Word forms
Rasputins plural
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Critics called the aide a modern-day _____, whispering in the minister's ear on every decision.
Etymology
From Grigori Rasputin (1869-1916), the Russian mystic who gained significant influence over the last Tsarist court; his name became a byword for a shadowy, unelected advisor.
Rhymes for Rasputin
See all rhymes for Rasputin →Frequently asked questions
What does “Rasputin” mean?
The word “Rasputin” means by extension from the historical figure, any manipulative advisor or insider who gains excessive, often sinister influence over a powerful person. In plain terms, used, lowercase, as a general label for a scheming behind-the-scenes advisor — not just the historical person.
How do you use “Rasputin” in a sentence?
Here is “Rasputin” used in a sentence: “Critics called the aide a modern-day rasputin, whispering in the minister's ear on every decision.”
What part of speech is “Rasputin”?
“Rasputin” is a noun.
Where does the word “Rasputin” come from?
The word “Rasputin” dates back to around 1869 and comes from Russian. From Grigori Rasputin (1869-1916), the Russian mystic who gained significant influence over the last Tsarist court; his name became a byword for a shadowy, unelected advisor.
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