Definition of Usurp:
Usurp (verb): To take (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force.
Synonyms: seize, take over, appropriate, commandeer
Antonyms: relinquish, surrender, give up, abdicate
Memory Tip: Think of “usurp” as someone taking control of something that isn’t rightfully theirs, often using force or underhanded tactics.
Conversation and Short Story Examples
Here is how “usurp” can be used in a casual conversation:
- John: Did you hear what happened in the boardroom?
Susan: Yes, it seems someone tried to usurp the CEO’s authority.
Let’s see how “usurp” can be used in a narrative context:
- The kingdom had long been ruled by a just and wise king. However, his cousin, jealous of the king’s power and influence, plotted to usurp the throne. Under the cover of night, the cousin gathered a group of loyal followers and stormed the castle, capturing the king. The coup was swift and decisive, and by morning, the cousin declared himself the new ruler. But his reign, gained through treachery, was met with resistance from the people, who refused to accept a usurper as their rightful leader.
Everyday Conversations
Here are examples of how to use “usurp” in a sentence during everyday conversations. Each sentence using “usurp” shows how it might naturally come up in casual dialogue:
- The new manager tried to usurp the authority of the existing team leader.
- She feared that someone might usurp her role in the project.
- He attempted to usurp control of the meeting, but the chairman quickly intervened.
Business and Professional Settings
Here are sentences using “usurp” in a professional setting. These examples of “usurp” in a sentence demonstrate how it can be applied in business and work environments:
- The assistant was accused of trying to usurp her boss’s position by taking credit for his work.
- In corporate politics, it’s not uncommon for ambitious individuals to attempt to usurp authority from their superiors.
Educational and Academic Examples
These sentences show how “usurp” can be used in academic settings. Each sentence with “usurp” emphasizes its relevance in educational and scholarly contexts:
- The historian argued that the general’s actions were an attempt to usurp power from the ruling emperor.
- The essay discussed how certain leaders have used propaganda to usurp political power in history.
Social and Cultural Contexts
Here are examples of “usurp” in a sentence within social and cultural contexts. Each sentence for “usurp” highlights its application in discussions about society and culture:
- Some fear that technological advancements might usurp traditional cultural practices.
- In many stories, the villain attempts to usurp the hero’s rightful place.
Part of Speech
Explore how “usurp” is used in different parts of speech:
- Verb: The dictator usurped the throne, leaving the rightful heir powerless.
- Noun (Usurpation): The usurpation of power led to years of tyranny and unrest.
Tenses
Examples of “usurp” used in different tenses:
- Past Tense: The rebel leader usurped control of the government.
- Present Tense: He usurps power whenever he sees an opportunity.
- Future Tense: If left unchecked, he will usurp the authority of the entire council.
Moods
How “usurp” is used in different moods:
- Imperative Mood: Don’t let anyone usurp your rights without a fight!
- Interrogative Mood: How did he manage to usurp such a powerful position so quickly?
- Exclamatory Mood: What a bold attempt to usurp the throne!
Voices
How “usurp” is used in different voices:
- Active Voice: The general usurped the king’s authority with a swift and decisive move.
- Passive Voice: The throne was usurped by a rival who had been plotting in secret.
Literary Devices
How “usurp” can be used in various literary devices:
- Metaphor: The silence in the room usurped the tension, replacing it with an eerie calm.
- Simile: His rise to power was like a thief in the night, usurping control before anyone noticed.
- Personification: Usurpation grinned wickedly, taking over the once peaceful land.
- Alliteration: The usurper used unscrupulous tactics to undermine the rightful ruler.
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