What does machinate mean?
Machinate is a verb that means to plan or plot something secretly or cunningly, often with the intention of deceiving or cheating others. It can imply a sense of deceit or cunning, and is often used in a negative context. However, it can also be used more neutrally to describe planning or plotting in general. The word has a long history, dating back to Latin 'machinare', and has been used in English since the 15th century. It is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as business or politics, but can also be used in more casual contexts. Overall, machinate is a useful word for describing complex or secretive planning, and can add depth and nuance to one's language.
verbTo plan or plot something secretly or cunningly, often with the intention of deceiving or cheating others.
- To plan or plot something secretly or cunningly
"The company was accused of machinating a takeover by secretly buying up shares of its competitor."
"The company was accused of machinating a takeover by secretly buying up shares of its competitor."
"The politician was accused of machinating a scandal to discredit her opponent."
The plural form machinates is used to describe multiple instances of planning or plotting something secretly or cunningly.
"The company was accused of machinating a takeover by secretly buying up shares of its competitor."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of machinate
The word machinate originated from Latin 'machinare', meaning 'to contrive or plot'. This Latin word was borrowed into Old French as 'machiner', meaning 'to contrive or plot', and from there it was borrowed into Middle English as 'machinen', meaning 'to contrive or plot'. The word has been used in English since the 15th century, and has retained its original meaning of planning or plotting something secretly or cunningly.
How machinate is actually used
Machinate can imply a sense of deceit or cunning, and is often used in a negative context. However, it can also be used more neutrally to describe planning or plotting in general.