capablanca: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical (Chess)
Quick answer
What does “capablanca” mean?
A proper noun referring to José Raúl Capablanca (1888–1942), a Cuban chess grandmaster and World Chess Champion from 1921 to 1927.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to José Raúl Capablanca (1888–1942), a Cuban chess grandmaster and World Chess Champion from 1921 to 1927.
Used attributively to describe a style of play in chess characterized by positional clarity, strategic simplicity, and endgame mastery, or to refer to chess openings or variations associated with him (e.g., the Capablanca Variation).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of chess genius, elegance, and positional mastery.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to chess literature and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “capablanca” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (subject/object)[Adjectival] + noun (e.g., Capablanca style)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capablanca” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His Capablanca-esque endgame technique secured the victory.
- She adopted the Capablanca Variation of the Ruy Lopez.
American English
- He has a very Capablanca-like style, favoring clarity over complication.
- The game transposed into a Capablanca Defense structure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or analytical texts on chess.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only among chess enthusiasts.
Technical
Core term in chess history, biography, and opening theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “capablanca”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “capablanca”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capablanca”
- Misspelling as 'Capablanca' (missing 'c'), 'Capablanka', or 'Capablanca'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'He is a capablanca').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a proper noun (a surname) with usage almost entirely confined to the context of chess history and theory.
Yes, in chess contexts it can be used attributively to describe a style of play or a specific chess opening variation named after him (e.g., 'a Capablanca endgame').
It refers to a chess playing style characterized by positional understanding, strategic clarity, precise technique, and exceptional endgame skill, reminiscent of José Capablanca's play.
In British English, it is /ˌkapəˈblaŋkə/. In American English, it is /ˌkɑpəˈblɑŋkə/. The stress is on the third syllable.
A proper noun referring to José Raúl Capablanca (1888–1942), a Cuban chess grandmaster and World Chess Champion from 1921 to 1927.
Capablanca is usually formal, technical (chess) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To play a Capablanca (to play with crystal-clear positional understanding)”
- “Capablanca-esque simplicity”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CAPAblanca: CAPtured the world championship with BLANCA (white in Spanish) pieces, known for clean, clear play.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENIUS IS CLARITY; MASTERY IS SIMPLICITY (His style is often described as deceptively simple and effortlessly dominant).
Practice
Quiz
What is José Capablanca primarily known for?