alicante: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low-Frequency Word)Formal/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “alicante” mean?
A type of sweet, often dessert wine, originally from the Alicante region of Spain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of sweet, often dessert wine, originally from the Alicante region of Spain.
A term primarily used to refer to a Spanish wine, but may also be encountered as a proper noun referring to the city, province, or grape variety in specific contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally uncommon in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes Spanish origin, sweetness, and often a fortified style (like a port or sherry). May imply a certain level of connoisseurship or specific knowledge.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Slightly higher likelihood of occurrence in contexts related to wine, travel, or Spanish culture.
Grammar
How to Use “alicante” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] The Alicante was exquisite.[Common Noun] They served a rich Alicante with the pudding.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alicante” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- An Alicante grape variety
- The Alicante region
American English
- Alicante vineyards
- Alicante Bouschet (grape name)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the wine trade and import/export contexts.
Academic
Rare, potentially in historical or geographical studies about Spain, or in oenology.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in a restaurant or while discussing a holiday in Spain.
Technical
Used in viticulture and oenology to specify a grape variety or wine style from the DO Alicante region.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alicante”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alicante”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alicante”
- Pronouncing it /ˈælɪkænt/ (like 'elephant' without the 'ph').
- Using it as a general term for any Spanish wine.
- Capitalising it when used as a common noun for the wine (it can be lower-case).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring to the city or region, yes. When used as a common noun for the type of wine, it can be lower-case (alicante), though often capitalised.
It is typically a red, sweet, often fortified wine, though some white versions exist.
No, it is a specific term for wines from the Denominación de Origen (DO) Alicante, known for sweet and fortified styles.
In British English: /ˌalɪˈkanteɪ/. In American English: /ˌælɪˈkænteɪ/. The stress is on the third syllable.
A type of sweet, often dessert wine, originally from the Alicante region of Spain.
Alicante is usually formal/specialist in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Ali' (like the boxer) 'cante' (sounds like 'can't stay' sober) – a sweet wine from Spain.
Conceptual Metaphor
ALICANTE IS A SWEET FINALE (as a dessert wine, it metaphorically concludes a meal).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Alicante' most specifically in an English wine context?