campos: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low
UK/ˈkæmpɒs/US/ˈkæmpoʊs/

Formal / Academic / Literary

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Quick answer

What does “campos” mean?

The plural form of 'campo', a word of Spanish/Portuguese origin meaning a field, open countryside, or prairie, particularly in Latin American contexts.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The plural form of 'campo', a word of Spanish/Portuguese origin meaning a field, open countryside, or prairie, particularly in Latin American contexts.

Refers to rural or agricultural lands, plains, or open grasslands, often used in geographical, historical, or cultural discussions about Latin America, Spain, or Portugal.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in usage between BrE and AmE, as the word is a low-frequency loanword in both varieties. It might appear slightly more in AmE texts due to greater cultural and geographical focus on Latin America.

Connotations

Carries connotations of rural life, agriculture, historical land use, and specific Latin American or Iberian landscapes.

Frequency

Extremely rare in general usage. Its appearance is highly context-dependent.

Grammar

How to Use “campos” in a Sentence

[the] + campos + [of + geographical area][Verb: traverse/cross/see] + the + campos

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
the open camposBrazilian camposvast camposgrassy campos
medium
the campos ofcultivate the camposride across the campos
weak
fertile campossun-baked camposendless campos

Examples

Examples of “campos” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • Not applicable as a verb.

American English

  • Not applicable as a verb.

adverb

British English

  • Not applicable as an adverb.

American English

  • Not applicable as an adverb.

adjective

British English

  • Not applicable as an adjective.

American English

  • Not applicable as an adjective.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually unused.

Academic

Used in geography, history, or Latin American studies texts to describe specific landscapes. Example: 'The settlement patterns were influenced by the extensive campos.'

Everyday

Extremely unlikely to be used in everyday English conversation.

Technical

Used in ecological or agricultural contexts referring to specific biomes in South America, like the Cerrado campos.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “campos”

Strong

pampas (in S. America)savannahprairie (in N. America)

Neutral

fieldsplainsgrasslands

Weak

countrysiderural areasopen country

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “campos”

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “campos”

  • Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a campos'). It is plural. The singular is 'campo'.
  • Pronouncing it with a /s/ at the end in the Spanish manner (/s/ sound). In English, the final 's' is typically pronounced /z/ in the American /oʊz/ version.
  • Using it in general contexts where 'fields' or 'countryside' would be more natural.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a very low-frequency loanword from Spanish/Portuguese, used primarily in specific academic or descriptive contexts.

The singular form is 'campo'.

In British English, it is typically /ˈkæmpɒs/. In American English, it is more commonly /ˈkæmpoʊs/ (ending like 'dose').

Only if you are specifically referring to the Latin American/Iberian context and want to use the local term for stylistic or precise geographical accuracy. Otherwise, 'fields' or 'plains' is preferable for general English.

The plural form of 'campo', a word of Spanish/Portuguese origin meaning a field, open countryside, or prairie, particularly in Latin American contexts.

Campos is usually formal / academic / literary in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • Not applicable for this low-frequency loanword.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'CAMPOS' as 'CAMPS' on the open 'O' plains (the 'O' suggesting the open, round horizon of a field).

Conceptual Metaphor

THE LANDSCAPE IS A CANVAS (the campos are often described in sweeping, pictorial terms).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The gauchos herded cattle across the expansive of the Rio Grande do Sul.
Multiple Choice

In which context is the word 'campos' most appropriately used?