- Main Entry:
- 1plot
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈplät\
- Function:
- noun
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Old English
- Date:
- before 12th century
1 a: a small area of planted ground <a vegetable plot> b: a small piece of land in a cemetery c: a measured piece of land : lot2: ground plan, plat3: the plan or main story (as of a movie or literary work)4[perhaps back-formation from complot] : a secret plan for accomplishing a usually evil or unlawful end : intrigue5: a graphic representation (as a chart)
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plot·less \-ləs\ adjective — plot·less·ness noun
synonyms plot,
intrigue,
machination,
conspiracy,
cabal mean a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end.
plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme
<an assassination plot>.
intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity
<backstairs intrigue>.
machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means
<the machinations of a party boss>.
conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery
<a conspiracy to fix prices>.
cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence
<a cabal among powerful senators>.
synonyms see in addition plan
