Definition

A person who has recently gained a high position or power but is not widely accepted or respected; often seen as an upstart or social climber.

Example

After his sudden rise to fame, many considered him an arriviste in the world of art.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new guy at work?

Yeah, I heard he’s quite the arriviste around here.

I wonder how he got that position so quickly.

Probably just good networking, but he’s still trying to earn everyone’s respect.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Arriviste is derived from the French word 'arriviste', which comes from 'arriver' (meaning to arrive) and the suffix '-iste' (indicating a person associated with a particular action or ideology). The term originally referred to a person who has arrived at a certain social status, often implying a sense of opportunism or self-seeking ambition.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who has 'arrived' at a new social status ('arriver') and is often seen as ambitious or opportunistic ('-iste'). This helps you remember that an 'arriviste' is someone who seeks to climb the social ladder.

Visually Confused Words