stratagem

/ˈstrætədʒəm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstrætədʒəm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstra-tə-jəm -ˌjem/ (ame, mw)

stratagem — noun

  • stratagemsingular
  • stratagemsplural

1. a carefully planned action that uses cleverness or deception to gain an advantag

1.名詞B2
釋義

a carefully planned action that uses cleverness or deception to gain an advantage over an opponent, especially in situations such as war, politics, or competitive activities

例句

General Okafor devised a clever stratagem, ordering his troops to retreat before circling behind the enemy forces.

military stratagem with feigned retreat

Theo's stratagem was to announce a false product date, keeping competitors busy with a fake launch window.

同義詞
  • ploy

    more focused on a single manipulative action, often in conversation or negotiation

  • ruse

    emphasizes deception more strongly; often used for tricks that mislead temporarily

  • maneuver

    more neutral; a calculated move that may or may not involve deception

  • scheme

    often implies a more elaborate or dishonest plan

反義詞
  • honesty

    stratagems rely on cleverness and deception; honesty is the opposite approach

  • straightforwardness

    acting directly rather than through indirect or deceptive means

用法筆記

Frequently carries a connotation of cleverness mixed with mild deception, unlike the more neutral 'strategy' or 'tactic'.

常見錯誤

❌She used a clever strategy to trick her opponent.
✅She used a clever stratagem to trick her opponent.
💡'Strategy' is a broad overall plan, while 'stratagem' specifically means a deceptive or cunning move.
❌His business stratagem was to work harder than everyone else.
✅His business stratagem was to spread false rumors about a rival product.
💡A stratagem always involves some element of cleverness or deception, not just hard work.