noun

svengali

svehng-GAH-lee

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Svengali (noun) means a person who controls or manipulates another, often through charm, persuasion, or something close to hypnotic influence — commonly an overbearing mentor or manager. Example: “The pop star's manager was widely seen as her Svengali, controlling every part of her career.”

noun

A person who controls or manipulates another, often through charm, persuasion, or something close to hypnotic influence — commonly an overbearing mentor or manager.

"The pop star's manager was widely seen as her Svengali, controlling every part of her career."

"He became a kind of Svengali to the young politician, scripting her every public appearance."

How to use svengali

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA manipulative controller — someone who dominates another person's decisions and career, usually behind the scenes.

Common mistake

Usually implies a somewhat sinister, controlling influence, not just ordinary mentorship.

Common pairings

a Svengali figure his Svengali-like influence

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: svengalis

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Fill the gap

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The pop star's manager was widely seen as her _____, controlling every part of her career.

Etymology

From Svengali, the hypnotist character who controls a young singer in George du Maurier's 1894 novel Trilby.

· First attested 1894

Class of 1894 svengali joined the language around 1894.

Kinsey lumen

See the full Class of 1894 →

Rhymes for svengali

Ali Mali kali Bali tali Cali Pali dali Vali Somali Diwali murali

See all rhymes for svengali →

Frequently asked questions

What does “svengali” mean?

The word “svengali” means a person who controls or manipulates another, often through charm, persuasion, or something close to hypnotic influence — commonly an overbearing mentor or manager. In plain terms, a manipulative controller — someone who dominates another person's decisions and career, usually behind the scenes.

How do you pronounce “svengali”?

“Svengali” is pronounced svehng-GAH-lee (/svɛŋˈɡɑːli/ in IPA).

How do you use “svengali” in a sentence?

Here is “svengali” used in a sentence: “The pop star's manager was widely seen as her Svengali, controlling every part of her career.”

What part of speech is “svengali”?

“Svengali” is a noun.

Where does the word “svengali” come from?

The word “svengali” dates back to around 1894. From Svengali, the hypnotist character who controls a young singer in George du Maurier's 1894 novel Trilby.