conde: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “conde” mean?
A Spanish or Portuguese noble title equivalent to count or earl.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Spanish or Portuguese noble title equivalent to count or earl.
A historical title of nobility in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries; sometimes used in English contexts when referring to historical figures or in translated literature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Both varieties use it only in specific historical/literary contexts.
Connotations
Carries connotations of Iberian/Latin American history, aristocracy, and colonialism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, with perhaps slightly higher occurrence in British English due to historical connections with Portugal.
Grammar
How to Use “conde” in a Sentence
Conde + of + [Place/Name] (e.g., Conde de Barcelona)the + Conde + [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical texts about Spain, Portugal, or Latin America.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
May appear in heraldry or genealogical studies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conde”
- Using 'conde' to refer to a modern British peer.
- Pronouncing it as /kɒnd/ instead of /ˈkɒndeɪ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency loanword used only in specific historical or cultural contexts.
A 'conde' is the Spanish or Portuguese title, while 'count' is the equivalent English title. They refer to the same rank of nobility.
No, the female equivalent is 'condesa' (countess).
The most common anglicised pronunciation is /ˈkɒndeɪ/ (KON-day) in British English and /ˈkɑːndeɪ/ (KAHN-day) in American English.
A Spanish or Portuguese noble title equivalent to count or earl.
Conde is usually formal, historical, literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONDE' as the Spanish 'COUNT' with a 'DE' (of) attached: Conde DE Barcelona.
Conceptual Metaphor
TITLE IS A CONTAINER FOR HERITAGE (The title 'conde' contains centuries of family history and social status).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'conde' most appropriately used in English?