por antonomasia

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par excellence, quintessentially
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/poɾ antonoˈmasja/
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As the best-known or most characteristic example of its kind.

Examples

  • El roble es el árbol por antonomasia de la región.
    The oak is the region’s quintessential tree.
  • En esa comarca, la vendimia es la fiesta por antonomasia.
    In that region, the grape harvest is the festival par excellence.
  • El león es el rey de la selva por antonomasia.
    The lion is the king of the jungle par excellence.
  • Aquel café fue el lugar de encuentro por antonomasia de los escritores.
    That café was the writers’ meeting place par excellence.
  • Para muchos, el Quijote es la novela española por antonomasia.
    For many, Don Quixote is the quintessential Spanish novel.

Similar words

por excelencia
como ejemplo máximo

Meanings

The quintessential example

rhetoric
formal
As the most familiar or characteristic bearer of a name or label.

Examples

  • El león es el rey de la selva por antonomasia.
    The lion is the king of the jungle par excellence.
  • Para muchos, el Quijote es la novela española por antonomasia.
    For many, Don Quixote is the quintessential Spanish novel.
  • En esa comarca, la vendimia es la fiesta por antonomasia.
    In that region, the grape harvest is the festival par excellence.
  • El roble es el árbol por antonomasia de la región.
    The oak is the region’s quintessential tree.
  • Aquel café fue el lugar de encuentro por antonomasia de los escritores.
    That café was the writers’ meeting place par excellence.

Similar words

Etymology

From antonomasia, a rhetorical term borrowed through Latin from Greek antonomasía.

FAQ

What does por antonomasia mean?

The prime or most characteristic example of a class.

When is por antonomasia used?

When one person or thing strongly embodies a label.

What tone does por antonomasia have?

It sounds formal and rhetorical.

What does por antonomasia contrast with?

It implies a stronger claim than merely being one example.

What is the origin or form of por antonomasia?

It comes from a Greek-derived rhetorical term.

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