lippmann: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal / Academic
Quick answer
What does “lippmann” mean?
A proper noun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun; most commonly a surname, historically referring to a notable person, especially Walter Lippmann, an influential American journalist, writer, and political commentator.
Can be used as a metonymic reference to the field of political journalism, public opinion theory (e.g., 'the Lippmann effect'), or to describe a style of analytical, elite-focused commentary on public affairs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The referent (Walter Lippmann) is an American figure, so mentions may be slightly more frequent in American academic texts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes intellectualism, media influence, and early-to-mid 20th-century political thought. May imply a certain model of top-down communication.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in everyday language in both regions. Found primarily in university-level texts or discussions about media history.
Grammar
How to Use “lippmann” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] + 'argued that' + clause[Proper Noun] + 'in his work' + noun phraseReferencing + [Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lippmann” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His approach was distinctly Lippmann-esque in its scepticism of mass democracy.
American English
- She offered a Lippmann-style critique of the media's role in the crisis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in political science, communication studies, media history, and sociology to reference Lippmann's theories on public opinion and the role of the press.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be encountered.
Technical
In specific scholarly discourse, may refer to concepts like 'the Lippmann gap' (between the event and the public's perception).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lippmann”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lippmann”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'He is a lippmann' is incorrect).
- Misspelling (e.g., Lipman, Lippman).
- Assuming it has a general English meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a proper name (surname). You only need to recognize it if you study journalism history, political science, or media studies.
It is pronounced LIP-mən, with the stress on the first syllable. The 'pp' is pronounced as a single /p/ sound.
Not in standard usage. In academic writing, you might see hyphenated compounds like 'Lippmann-esque' or 'Lippmann-style' to describe ideas reminiscent of his work.
He was a prominent 20th-century American writer, journalist, and political commentator. He is famous for his work on public opinion, the role of the press in democracy, and for coining phrases like 'the manufacture of consent'.
A proper noun.
Lippmann is usually formal / academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'lip' speaking to the 'man' in the street – a journalist like Lippmann communicated elite ideas to the public.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A THEORY (e.g., 'That essay is pure Lippmann' meaning it embodies his theoretical style).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the name 'Lippmann' most likely to be encountered?