What does be a maverick mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈmeɪvərɪk/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who doesn’t follow the typical rules, conventions, or expectations of their peer group or society. A maverick tends to break free from traditional norms and often takes a unique perspective on things.

Examples

• The entrepreneur was a maverick in her field, trying new approaches to business that others deemed unorthodox.
• The artist was a maverick in the art world, pushing boundaries with her unconventional style.

Synonyms

• Renegade
• Nonconformist
• Outcast

Antonyms

• Compliant
• Traditional

Etymology

The word ‘maverick’ originated in the 19th century, named after Samuel Augustus Maverick, a Texas lawyer and politician who refused to brand his cattle. As a result, any unbranded calf was assumed to belong to him, and the term ‘maverick’ became associated with independence and nonconformity.

Additional Information

Mavericks are often seen as trailblazers, taking risks and challenging the status quo. They may be viewed as rebels or outcasts by some, but their unique perspective and innovative thinking can lead to significant breakthroughs and advancements in various fields. Mavericks can be found in any profession, from art and music to business and science.

In today’s society, being a maverick is often celebrated, as it can lead to creativity, progress, and positive change. However, it can also lead to challenges, such as isolation, rejection, or even conflict, as mavericks may be at odds with the establishment.

The key characteristics of a maverick include a willingness to challenge norms, think outside the box, and take calculated risks. They are not afraid to be different and often thrive in environments where creativity and innovation are valued.

Mavericks can be inspirational role models, encouraging others to think for themselves and question authority. However, they also require a high degree of self-motivation, resilience, and determination to succeed in a world that often values conformity over nonconformity.

Usage Notes

The word ‘maverick’ can be used in various contexts, including:

• Describing a person’s behavior or attitude: ‘She’s a maverick in her approach to art.’
• Characterizing a company or organization: ‘That startup is a maverick in the tech industry.’
• Highlighting an individual’s achievements: ‘He was a maverick in his field, earning numerous awards for his innovations.’

Cultural References

The term ‘maverick’ has been referenced in various forms of media, including:

• Movies: ‘Maverick’ (1994), starring Mel Gibson
• TV shows: ‘Maverick’ (1957-1962), a western TV series
• Books: ‘The Maverick’ by Ben Mezrich

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word ‘maverick’ are:

• ‘To fly solo’: to be independent and self-reliant, like a maverick.
• ‘To be a rebel’: to act in opposition to established norms, like a maverick.
• ‘To break the mold’: to challenge conventional thinking and take a risk, like a maverick.

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words or phrases that convey a similar meaning to ‘maverick’ are:

• ‘Free spirit’
• ‘Nonconformist’
• ‘Original thinker’
• ‘Rebel’

Collocations

Some common word combinations that include the term ‘maverick’ are:

• ‘Maverick entrepreneur’
• ‘Maverick artist’
• ‘Maverick scientist’
• ‘Maverick inventor’

Frequency of Use

The word ‘maverick’ has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the context of business, entrepreneurship, and innovation. According to Google Trends, the word’s usage has grown significantly since 2010, indicating a growing recognition and appreciation of nonconformity and creative thinking.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings and variations of the word ‘maverick’ are:

• ‘Maverick’ spelled as ‘Maverickk’
• ‘Maverick’ incorrectly hyphenated as ‘Maver-ick’
• ‘Maverick’ misused as an adjective, rather than a noun.