Meaning & use
Faust
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Meanings
proper nounproper
A legendary scholar who makes a deal with the devil, trading his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures.
Grammar: Used as a name, so it usually has no article: 'the story of Faust'.
Patterns
- the story of Faust
- Faust makes a deal with the devil
- a Faustian bargain
In Goethe's play, Faust is never satisfied with what he knows.
The legend of Faust has inspired many operas and novels.
He signed the contract like a modern Faust, trading his principles for success.
proper nounproperfigurative
A person who is willing to sacrifice moral values or other important things in order to gain power or knowledge.
Grammar: Used figuratively to describe someone's behavior, often with 'a' or 'the': 'He is a Faust.'
Patterns
- a Faust who does something
- play Faust
The scientist was called a Faust for pursuing dangerous research at any cost.
In the novel, the politician is a Faust who sells his honesty for votes.
Common combinations
- Faustian bargain
- The company made a Faustian bargain with its rivals to eliminate competition.
- the legend of Faust
- The legend of Faust warns against wanting too much.
- a modern Faust
- Some critics see the billionaire as a modern Faust.
Word family
- Faustian adjective
- Relating to Faust or to a deal that trades moral values for gain.
Practice
What does a 'Faustian bargain' typically involve?
Choose one answer.
The phrase comes from the Faust legend, where the main character trades his soul for knowledge and power. The other options describe ordinary transactions or rituals, not the moral sacrifice implied by 'Faustian'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Faust”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.