doyen

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'doyen' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means the most respected or prominent person in a particular field. It is often used to refer to someone who is considered the leader or expert in their profession. Example: The doyen of the literary world, Toni Morrison, was known for her powerful and profound writing that captured the hearts and minds of readers around the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's our own cycling doyen Will Fotheringham with his preview of today's stage: The Tour won't be won in Steel City but one of the favourites could lose it here, as the series of short steep climbs and some abrupt, narrow and very technical descents – equally difficult, particularly if the roads are wet – will make for a demanding finale, where a crash or a puncture could be very costly.

The Guardian - Sport

The diagnosis is not the person downtown doyen, doyenne The senior member of a group, eg "she was the doyenne of ballet critics".

The Guardian

The doyen of Welsh rugby writers, JBG Thomas, summed him up thus: "He was a modest, likeable man, with a smiling face and a quiet word of advice for his men.

The Guardian - Sport

Overlooking his prized garden, the doyen of London politics, who has been fighting elections in the capital for more than a quarter of a century, said you don't succeed by slicing and dicing voters into different interest groups and then coming up with policies that may appeal to them.

The Guardian

"The governors", says Lance Tarrance, the doyen of Republican opinion pollsters, "now define the political image of the Republican Party".And they are determined, says Mr Keating, to use their influence when it comes to drawing up the party's election manifesto.

The Economist

In a new book Henry Kissinger, the doyen of foreign-policy strategists, describes a world in which disorder threatens, and violence in Ukraine and the Middle East and tensions in the South China Sea vindicate him.

The Economist

Steve Weinberg, a doyen of particle physics who was one of the Model's architects, has described neutrino mass as the most important discovery in particle physics for a quarter of a century.But the details of oscillation remain incomplete, which is where Fermilab's neutrino beam comes in.

The Economist

"Our logic is that you must always, if possible, be an employee," he sighs.Berthold Leibinger, the doyen of Trumpf, a classic Mittelstand firm based in Stuttgart, is another critic of restrictions that hamper entrepreneurship.

The Economist

Typically, Pierre Boulez, doyen of contemporary music, admired Webern's purity, while wryly describing the ardour and variety of Berg's work as like a novel.

The Economist

In peril," boomed the voice of Peter O'Sullevan, doyen of racing commentators, over loudspeakers at 28 of these popular horse-races over the Easter weekend.

The Economist

At home he has been backed by a doyen of Israel's foreign-policy pundits, Shlomo Avineri, a former director of the foreign ministry, who says the foreign minister, whatever his motive, is right.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doyen" to recognize individuals with significant experience and influence in their respective fields, adding a touch of formality and respect.

Common error

Avoid using "doyen" in informal contexts, as it can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Choose a more casual synonym if the setting is relaxed.

Linguistic Context

The word "doyen" functions as a noun, typically referring to a senior or highly respected member of a group or profession. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it's used to denote individuals who are leaders in their fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "doyen" is a noun used to describe a highly respected and experienced person in a particular field. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high usage in formal contexts, particularly in news and media, business, and science. While "doyen" effectively conveys respect, consider the formality of the setting and opt for synonyms like "leading authority" or "senior figure" in more casual environments. As indicated by Ludwig's examples, it is best used when recognizing someone with significant influence and experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preeminent leader

Emphasizes outstanding leadership and superiority.

leading authority

Focuses on expertise and influence within a specific domain.

esteemed expert

Highlights the high regard and specialized knowledge of the person.

leading light

Stresses prominence and influence as a guiding force.

chief exponent

Focuses on someone who actively promotes or represents a particular idea or movement.

senior figure

Emphasizes seniority and experience within a group or field.

respected veteran

Combines respect with long-standing experience.

elder statesman

Implies wisdom and experience, often in political contexts.

grand old man

Highlights age and respect, often used for men who have had long and distinguished careers.

top dog

Informal way of mentioning the leader.

FAQs

What does "doyen" mean?

The word "doyen" refers to the most respected or prominent person in a particular field, typically someone with extensive experience.

How can I use "doyen" in a sentence?

You might say, "He is the "leading authority" in the field of astrophysics, truly a "doyen" among scientists."

What are some synonyms for "doyen"?

Alternatives include "senior figure", "leading light", or "elder statesman", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "doyen" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "doyen" is a formal term. Using a more common word like "leader" or "expert" may be more appropriate in informal settings.