parvenu

The definition of a parvenu is a person new to power or wealth who is not accepted by others with the same power or wealth.

(noun)

An example of a parvenu is a person who just inherited millions from a deceased relative.

Parvenu is defined as a person who has recently acquired a higher social standing, power or wealth but is not accepted by others at that level.

(adjective)

An example of parvenu used as an adjective is in the phrase "the parvenu class."

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See parvenu in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or power, esp. one who is not fully accepted socially by the class associated with the higher position; upstart

Origin: Fr, pp. of parvenir < L pervenire, to arrive < per, through (see per) + venire, come

adjective

  1. being a parvenu
  2. like or characteristic of a parvenu

See parvenu in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
A person who has suddenly risen to a higher social and economic class and has not yet gained social acceptance by others in that class.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: , from past participle of parvenir, to arrive

Origin: , from Latin pervenīre

Origin: : per, through; see per1 in Indo-European roots

Origin: + venīre, to come; see gwā- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • parˈve·nuˌ adjective

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