doyen

IPA/ˈdɔɪən/
KK[dˈɔɪɪn]IPA/ˈdɔɪən/

doyen — noun

  • doyensingular
  • doyensplural

1. a person who is widely recognised as the most experienced, knowledgeable, and hi

1.名詞C1
釋義

a person who is widely recognised as the most experienced, knowledgeable, and highly regarded figure within a particular profession, organisation, or area of activity

例句

Rohan, now in his seventies, remains the doyen of contemporary Indian architecture.

doyen of + field (contemporary Indian architecture)

The festival brought together the doyens of European classical music for a historic evening.

同義詞
  • authority

    focuses on influence and knowledge rather than seniority; less tied to age

  • veteran

    more informal; emphasises long experience but does not convey the same revered status

  • master

    highlights exceptional skill, more common in arts and crafts contexts

  • elder statesman

    suggests a retired or semi-retired figure whose wisdom is sought, whereas doyen typically remains active

反義詞
  • novice

    someone at the very beginning of their career, with minimal experience

  • rookie

    informal term for a newcomer, opposite in both experience and status

文法句型

the doyen of + field/profession

用法筆記

Frequently used in the pattern 'the doyen of + [field/profession/art form]'. The word carries strong positive connotations of both seniority and earned respect. The feminine form doyenne (pronounced /dɔɪˈɛn/) exists and follows the same usage pattern.

常見錯誤

❌My uncle is the doyen of our family.
✅My uncle is the most respected elder in our family.
💡doyen is reserved for professional, academic, or artistic fields, not family roles.
❌She is a doyen of the accounting department because she joined first.
✅She is the longest-serving member of the accounting department.
💡doyen implies deep expertise and widespread respect, not merely the longest tenure.