WordLens

parvenu

1 of 2noun
/ˈpɑrvənu/
Forms:parvenus
1

a low-born individual who has gained quick and unexpected power, success, or wealth

  • The parvenu quickly rose to prominence, flaunting his newfound wealth and social status.
  • Despite his lack of noble heritage, the parvenu's rapid success made him the talk of high society.
  • The parvenu's success story was a subject of fascination and skepticism in the media.
  • The novel's protagonist was a parvenu whose sudden wealth caused friction with his established peers.
  • The parvenu struggled to fit into elite circles, often feeling out of place among old money families.