Words / C1

mash-i-NAYSHUN/ˌmæʃɪˈneɪʃn/

A machination is a secret, often dishonest, scheme (often plural): corridor machinations, a machination. Machine (already in the dictionary) is equipment, not this plot; “strategy” is not an incident file.

Meaning

A secret, often dishonest, scheme (often plural; not the same as machine, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “Machination in the corridor is an incident file, not “strategy”.”
• “Scheme is already in this course. Plot is the close twin. Machine is already in this course and is not the same. Strategy is a slogan. A dated line is a file. Log the remark; save strategy for the board paper if the ethics minute still allows it.”

Good to know

A secret scheme (often plural). Related: machine (already in the dictionary; different). “Strategy” ≠ an incident log.

Near in meaning

plot, scheme, intrigue

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