parvenu Definition
- 1a person who has recently acquired wealth or status but has not yet developed the appropriate manners
- 2a social climber
Using parvenu: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "parvenu" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was a parvenu who tried too hard to impress others with his wealth.
Example
The party was full of parvenus trying to fit in with the upper class.
Example
She may be a parvenu, but she is still a kind and generous person.
parvenu Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with parvenu
a group of people who have recently acquired wealth and status and are trying to establish themselves as part of the aristocracy
Example
The parvenu aristocracy was looked down upon by the old money families.
parvenu manners
manners that are inappropriate for a person of high social status, often characterized by a lack of refinement or sophistication
Example
His parvenu manners made it clear that he was not born into the upper class.
a mindset characterized by a desire to acquire wealth and status at any cost, often resulting in a lack of empathy or concern for others
Example
Her parvenu mentality made her ruthless in business, but it also made her many enemies.
Origins of parvenu
from French 'parvenu', past participle of 'parvenir', meaning 'to arrive'
Summary: parvenu in Brief
The term 'parvenu' [pahr-vuh-noo, -nyoo] refers to a person who has recently acquired wealth or status but has not yet developed the appropriate manners. It is often used to describe someone who is a social climber. Examples include 'He was a parvenu who tried too hard to impress others with his wealth.' and 'The party was full of parvenus trying to fit in with the upper class.' Phrases like 'parvenu aristocracy' and 'parvenu mentality' further illustrate the concept.
