Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

potemkin

noun

/pəˈtɛm.kɪn/

Definition

A word used to describe a facade or deceptive exterior, often used in the context of something that is presented as impressive but is actually superficial.

Examples

The politician’s promises turned out to be just a Potemkin, hiding the real problems underneath.
The charming village was a Potemkin, carefully designed to create a false sense of prosperity.

Meaning

The term comes from a historical reference to Grigory Potemkin, a Russian statesman who is said to have fabricated fake settlements to impress Empress Catherine II during her visit to Crimea.