Svengali

Pronunciation: /svɛŋˈɡɑːli/

Definitions of Svengali

noun Svengali - a person who manipulates or exerts excessive control over another individual, especially for sinister purposes

Example Sentences

A1 Svengali was a character in a famous novel.

A2 The Svengali in the story manipulated the main character.

B1 The Svengali figure in the movie was portrayed as a master manipulator.

B2 The relationship between the artist and the Svengali was complex and intense.

C1 The Svengali's influence over the young musician was both powerful and destructive.

C2 The Svengali's control over the protagonist's life was absolute and terrifying.

Examples of Svengali in a Sentence

formal The literary character of Svengali is often referenced in discussions about manipulation and control.

informal I heard that guy is like a real-life Svengali, always pulling strings behind the scenes.

slang Don't trust him, he's a total Svengali when it comes to getting people to do what he wants.

figurative Her charismatic personality had a Svengali-like effect on those around her, influencing them without them even realizing it.

Grammatical Forms of Svengali

• past tense: Svengalied
• plural: Svengalis
• comparative: more Svengali
• superlative: most Svengali
• present tense: Svengalies
• future tense: will Svengali
• perfect tense: have Svengalied
• continuous tense: is Svengaliing
• singular: Svengali
• positive degree: Svengali
• infinitive: to Svengali
• gerund: Svengaling
• participle: Svengalied

Origin and Evolution of Svengali

First Known Use: 1894 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'Svengali' originates from the novel 'Trilby' written by George du Maurier in 1894.

Evolution of the word: Originally, Svengali referred to a character in the novel who manipulates and controls the main character, Trilby, through hypnosis. Over time, the term has evolved to refer to someone who manipulates or controls another person for their own gain, often in a sinister or deceitful manner.