condor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Scientific, Literary
Quick answer
What does “condor” mean?
A very large bird of prey (vulture) from South America or California, known for its immense wingspan and soaring flight.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very large bird of prey (vulture) from South America or California, known for its immense wingspan and soaring flight.
Symbolically used to represent grandeur, freedom, or conservation; also a monetary unit in several South American countries (e.g., Peruvian condor de oro).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is identically used in both varieties, though the California condor is more frequently referenced in American media due to its habitat.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of majesty, rarity, and wilderness. In British English, it may feel slightly more 'exotic'.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. Slightly higher in American English in conservation/ecological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “condor” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] condor [VERB] over the [NOUN].Conservationists are working to [VERB] the condor.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “condor” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Andean condor is a national symbol of several South American countries.
- We watched the condor circle effortlessly on the thermal updrafts.
American English
- The California condor reintroduction program is a major conservation effort.
- A condor's wingspan can exceed three metres.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically in company names or branding to suggest size, dominance, or high perspective (e.g., 'Condor Capital').
Academic
Common in biology, ecology, and conservation science texts. Appears in geography/cultural studies regarding the Andes.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation unless discussing specific wildlife, travel to South America, or conservation news.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology and wildlife management. Precise species identification is critical.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “condor”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “condor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “condor”
- Pronouncing it /kənˈdɔːr/ (stress on second syllable).
- Using 'condor' to refer to any large bird (eagle, hawk).
- Misspelling as 'conder', 'condour'.
- Assuming it is a predator that hunts live prey (it is primarily a scavenger).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, condors are New World vultures (family Cathartidae), while eagles are birds of prey in the family Accipitridae. They are not closely related.
They are not well-adapted for killing. Their primary food source is carrion (dead animals), though they may rarely attack weak or newborn animals.
Andean condors can be seen in mountainous regions along the Andes from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego. California condors are found in limited areas of California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California.
Its size, power, and majestic flight have made it a symbol of strength, liberty, and the rugged landscape of the Andes for several South American nations like Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
A very large bird of prey (vulture) from South America or California, known for its immense wingspan and soaring flight.
Condor is usually formal, scientific, literary in register.
Condor: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.dɔːr/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Spread your wings like a condor (to act with great freedom/ambition).”
- “Condor's eye view (a very high, broad perspective).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONquer the sky + SOAR = CONDOR. Imagine a huge bird conquering the sky as it soars.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONDOR IS FREEDOM/MONUMENTALITY (due to its flight and size). A CONDOR IS PRECARIOUS SURVIVAL (due to endangered status).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary ecological role of a condor?