grande dame
grande dame — noun
1. a much-admired female figure in a particular field, respected for the knowledge
a much-admired female figure in a particular field, respected for the knowledge and influence she has gained through many years of work and notable achievements.
Heloísa is widely seen as the grande dame of Brazilian literature, with a career spanning five decades.
collocation: grande dame of [field]
At the architecture conference, the grande dame of sustainable design spoke about her latest project in Singapore.
Folake has been called the grande dame of Nigerian fashion for her pioneering work since the 1980s.
The grande dame of French cinema received a lifetime achievement award at the ceremony last night.
A new book celebrates Mira, the grande dame of Indian classical dance who trained hundreds of students.
- doyenne
more formal, refers to the most senior woman in a field
- matriarch
emphasises family or organisational leadership rather than expertise
- elder stateswoman
suggests political or public-life influence rather than artistic or academic authority
- novice
someone who is just beginning in a field, with no experience
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'of' plus a field or discipline (e.g. 'grande dame of opera'). Often used with the definite article 'the'.
常見錯誤
2. the oldest, most famous, or most impressive example of its kind, often used for
the oldest, most famous, or most impressive example of its kind, often used for hotels, buildings, institutions, or products that are seen as classics in their category.
The Ritz in Paris is the grande dame of European hotels, famous for its elegance since 1898.
metaphor: the grande dame of [category] referring to a thing, not a person
Critics call that 1960 recording the grande dame of jazz albums because of its lasting influence.
This Bordeaux estate is the grande dame of the region, having produced wine since the 1700s.
The old opera house, long regarded as the grande dame of city theatres, reopened after a five-year renovation.
For car collectors, that 1950s convertible is the grande dame of vintage automobiles.
- granddaddy
more informal and masculine; the US English equivalent with the same figurative meaning
- classic
broader; does not imply oldest or most impressive
- flagship
focuses on being the best or most important in a group, not necessarily the oldest
用法筆記
This sense applies the term to things (buildings, wines, institutions, products) rather than people. The register is semi-informal and often used in reviews, travel writing, and cultural commentary.