noun
- Practical wisdom, skill, or cunning; the ability to think and act cleverly in difficult situations.
- A person of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, particularly in Canadian history and culture.
Usage: From Greek mythology and philosophy; often used in academic or literary contexts; Capitalized when referring to the Greek goddess Metis
Usage: Capitalized; refers to a distinct ethnic and cultural group in Canada; Historical and contemporary cultural identity term
Examples
- The general's metis allowed him to outmaneuver his opponents despite being outnumbered.
- In Greek philosophy, metis represented the kind of intelligence that comes from experience and practical knowledge.
- The Métis people have a rich cultural heritage spanning centuries in North America.
- Her metis in negotiation made her an invaluable member of the diplomatic team.
- The goddess Metis was known for her strategic thinking and foresight.