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machinate

verb

/ˈmæk əˌneɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of machinate

To plan or scheme something in a cunning, secretive or devious manner.
"They machinate behind the scenes, plotting their next move."

Detailed meaning of machinate

It involves carefully designing and arranging a series of actions or events that aim to achieve a particular goal or outcome. The term machination often implies that the planning is done with sinister intentions. It can refer to a single person, or a group of people, working together to achieve a common objective, often through manipulative or underhanded methods. Machinations can involve anything from political conspiracies, business deals, to personal revenge plans. Machinating often involves a great deal of strategic thinking, and the use of calculated, manipulative tactics to achieve one's goals.

Example sentences containing machinate

1. He would often machinate elaborate plots to outwit his rivals.
2. She spent hours machinating a surprise party for her best friend.
3. The villain continued to machinate his sinister agenda behind closed doors.
4. The political strategist sought to machinate a campaign strategy.
5. The group of hackers attempted to machinate a cyberattack.
6. In the shadows, they would machinate schemes to gain power.

History and etymology of machinate

The verb 'machinate' has an intriguing etymology rooted in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'machinari,' which means 'to contrive' or 'to devise with skill.' This term, in turn, is related to 'machina,' meaning 'a machine' or 'a contrivance.' In its earliest usage, 'machinate' referred to the act of skillfully planning or devising something, often with a hint of cunning. Over time, it came to signify the act of scheming or plotting something, particularly in a secretive or devious manner. The word 'machinate' retains its connection to the notion of skillful contrivance, reflecting its historical roots in the art of clever and sometimes clandestine planning.

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Further usage examples of machinate

1. The spy agency was known for its ability to machinate covert operations.
2. The criminal mastermind had a talent for machinating heists.
3. To achieve their goals, they would often machinate complex negotiations.
4. The business tycoon was rumored to machinate hostile takeovers.
5. The detective had to machinate a plan to catch the elusive thief.
6. I machinate a plan to outsmart my opponents.
7. You machinate strategies to achieve your goals.
8. We machinate a scheme to disrupt their operations.
9. You (plural) machinate a conspiracy to overthrow the regime.
10. They machinate a secret alliance to gain an advantage.
11. I carefully machinate my words to influence their decision.
12. You machinate a trap to catch the culprit.
13. He, she, or it machinates a plot to deceive others.
14. We machinate a clever ruse to divert their attention.
15. You (plural) machinate a scheme to expose the truth.
16. They machinate a plan to steal the valuable artifact.
17. I skillfully machinate a negotiation strategy to secure the deal.
18. You machinate a master plan to take control of the organization.
19. He, she, or it machinates a political maneuver to gain power.
20. We machinate a clever disguise to infiltrate their stronghold.
21. You (plural) machinate a devious scheme to seek revenge.
22. They machinate an elaborate heist to rob the bank.
23. I strategically machinate alliances to strengthen our position.
24. You machinate a scheme to sabotage their project.