grande dame

IPA/ˌɡrɒ̃ ˈdɑːm/
IPA/ˌɡrɑːn ˈdɑːm/

grande dame — 名詞

1. a much-admired female figure in a particular field, respected for the knowledge

1.名詞C1
釋義

女泰斗

因經驗與成就備受尊崇的女性

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.

例句

Heloísa is widely seen as the grande dame of Brazilian literature, with a career spanning five decades.

Heloísa 被公認為巴西文學界的女泰斗，寫作生涯長達五十年。

collocation: grande dame of [field]

At the architecture conference, the grande dame of sustainable design spoke about her latest project in Singapore.

在建築研討會上，這位永續設計的女泰斗談到了她在新加坡的最新作品。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

❌She is a grande dame.
✅She is the grande dame of modern ballet.
💡The phrase is almost always followed by a specific field or area of expertise.

2. the oldest, most famous, or most impressive example of its kind, often used for

2.名詞C2
釋義

經典代表

同類中最古老或最傑出的事物

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.

例句

The Ritz in Paris is the grande dame of European hotels, famous for its elegance since 1898.

巴黎麗茲酒店自 1898 年便以高雅聞名，是歐洲經典飯店的代表。

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.

評論家稱那張 1960 年的唱片為爵士樂的經典代表，因為它的影響力歷久不衰。

同義詞
  • 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.