Aficionado Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aficionado

[əˌfɪʃəˈnɑːdəʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

music

A person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime, especially music.

Synonyms

enthusiast, expert, fan, lover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aficionado	This term is suitable for someone who is very passionate and knowledgeable about a specific topic or activity, often related to arts, sports, or hobbies, and who follows it closely. He's a jazz aficionado who has attended over a hundred concerts. As a cinema aficionado, she can talk for hours about classic films.
enthusiast	This word is appropriate for someone who shows strong interest and eagerness in a particular field or activity but may not possess deep expertise. She's a gardening enthusiast who spends her weekends tending to her plants. John is a car enthusiast and loves to attend auto shows.
expert	Use this term for someone who has a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area, often through extensive experience, training, or education. She is an expert in molecular biology and has published several papers. You should consult an expert if you want to invest in the stock market.
fan	This word is generally used for someone who has a keen interest or admiration for a particular person, team, or piece of entertainment, such as music, sports, or movies. It is less about deep knowledge and more about admiration. He's a huge fan of the local football team and never misses a game. I'm a big fan of her novels and have read every one of them.
lover	This term often signifies someone who has a deep affection or enjoyment of a particular subject or activity. It can sometimes have romantic connotations but is also widely used in a broader sense. She is an animal lover and has rescued many pets from shelters. Being a nature lover, he spends a lot of time hiking and camping.

Examples of usage

He is an aficionado of classical music.
She is considered an aficionado in the jazz world.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

wine

A person who is passionate and knowledgeable about wines.

Synonyms

connoisseur, enthusiast, expert, lover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aficionado	This word is best used to describe someone who is passionate about and very knowledgeable in a particular subject, especially in the arts or sports. He's a jazz aficionado with an impressive collection of records. As a wine aficionado, she always knows the best vintages to recommend.
connoisseur	Typically used to describe someone with expert knowledge and good taste in a particular field, especially when it comes to fine arts, food, or wine. She's a connoisseur of French cuisine. As a connoisseur of fine art, he can distinguish between authentic pieces and forgeries.
expert	Refers to someone with a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area, often gained through experience or studies. She's an expert in cybersecurity and gives talks at international conferences. As a medical expert, he's often consulted for his opinion on healthcare issues.
lover	This word is used to describe someone who has a deep affection or passion for something, especially in a personal, sometimes emotional way. He's a nature lover who spends most of his free time in the wilderness. She's a book lover who can spend hours lost in a novel.
enthusiast	This is a general term for someone who is very interested and invested in a particular activity or subject, often as an amateur rather than an expert. He's an outdoor enthusiast who spends every weekend hiking. She's a technology enthusiast always looking for the latest gadgets.

Examples of usage

He is an aficionado when it comes to wine selection.
The event attracted many wine aficionados.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Aficionados often form communities or clubs, like wine or coffee aficionados, who share their knowledge and experiences.
In film, certain characters are often portrayed as aficionados of art, music or literature, illustrating their passionate pursuits.
Events like Comic-Con attract aficionados from various fandoms, celebrating shared interests in pop culture.

Science

Studies show that being an aficionado can enhance creativity and skill in a particular area by increasing engagement and motivation.
Expertise associated with aficionados often leads to deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural practices or phenomena.
Aficionados can influence market trends, particularly in collector's items, as their enthusiasm can magnify demand.

Art

In the art world, an aficionado might be someone who not only enjoys art but also understands the techniques and history behind it.
Art aficionados often participate in gallery events, helping to support artists and promote cultural dialogues.
The rise of social media has allowed art aficionados to share their thoughts and discoveries with a global audience.

Psychology

Being an aficionado can provide a sense of identity, as individuals define themselves through their passions and expertise.
Enthusiasm for a subject often correlates with higher levels of happiness and satisfaction in life.
Psychologically, aficionados may experience flow states—deep engagement and enjoyment in their activities—leading to greater personal fulfillment.

Origin of 'aficionado'

Main points about word origin

The word 'aficionado' comes from Spanish, meaning 'fond of' or 'a fan'.
It entered the English language in the late 19th century, showcasing the influence of Spanish culture.
The root verb in Spanish, 'aficionar', means to become fond of something.

The word 'aficionado' entered the English language in the mid-19th century from Spanish, where it means 'fan' or 'enthusiast'. It is derived from the Spanish verb 'aficionar', which means 'to inspire affection'. The term is often used to describe someone who has a deep passion and knowledge about a particular subject or activity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,072, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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36069 spunky
36070 countersink
36071 luxuriating
36072 aficionado
36073 freebooter
36074 reassigning
36075 neediness
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