metternich: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal; primarily historical and academic.
Quick answer
What does “metternich” mean?
A proper noun referring to Klemens von Metternich (1773–1859), an Austrian statesman and diplomat who was a dominant figure in European politics during the post-Napoleonic era, known for his conservative system and influence at the Congress of Vienna.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to Klemens von Metternich (1773–1859), an Austrian statesman and diplomat who was a dominant figure in European politics during the post-Napoleonic era, known for his conservative system and influence at the Congress of Vienna.
Often used metonymically to refer to a political system or philosophy characterized by conservative, authoritarian, and reactionary principles aimed at preserving traditional order and suppressing revolutionary movements, or to a person exemplifying such principles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The reference is to the same historical figure and concept.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes realpolitik, conservatism, balance-of-power politics, and aristocratic diplomacy.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both, confined to historical, political science, and diplomatic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “metternich” in a Sentence
Metternich + [past tense verb] (e.g., Metternich dominated, Metternich advocated)the + [adjective] + Metternich (e.g., the wily Metternich, the Austrian Metternich)Metternich's + [abstract noun] (e.g., Metternich's influence, Metternich's legacy)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metternich” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His approach was distinctly Metternichian in its reliance on secret treaties and suppression of dissent.
American English
- The senator's foreign policy stance has been described as Metternichian in its cold realism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in history and political science texts discussing 19th-century Europe, conservatism, and international relations theory.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only appear in sophisticated discussion of history or politics.
Technical
Used as a historical reference point in diplomatic studies or analyses of conservative political philosophy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metternich”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metternich”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metternich”
- Misspelling as 'Metternick' or 'Mettternich'. Using it as a common noun without capitalization (e.g., 'a metternich').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily a proper noun referring to the historical figure. Adjectival forms ('Metternichian') are derived from it.
Almost exclusively in academic or historical discussions about 19th-century European politics, diplomacy, and conservative ideology.
He was the principal architect of the conservative settlement at the Congress of Vienna (1814-15) and the subsequent political system that dominated Europe until 1848.
Yes, it can be used figuratively to describe a person or policy seen as ruthlessly conservative, manipulative in diplomacy, or dedicated to preserving an outdated status quo.
A proper noun referring to Klemens von Metternich (1773–1859), an Austrian statesman and diplomat who was a dominant figure in European politics during the post-Napoleonic era, known for his conservative system and influence at the Congress of Vienna.
Metternich is usually formal; primarily historical and academic. in register.
Metternich: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtənɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtərnɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Metternich of our time”
- “to play Metternich”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MET' at a 'TURN' in history (the Congress of Vienna) where he was 'ICH' (I, the key figure) in restoring order.
Conceptual Metaphor
Metternich is a BALANCE (as in the Balance of Power), a SHIELD (against revolution), and an ANCHOR (of the old regime).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Metternichian' most closely associated with?