cortazar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, academic, educated conversation
Quick answer
What does “cortazar” mean?
A proper noun referring to the Argentine writer Julio Cortázar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to the Argentine writer Julio Cortázar.
Often used as a metonym for literary style, intellectualism, or specific themes (fantasy, surrealism, formal innovation) associated with the author's work. It can refer to his writings collectively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Usage is consistent in literary/academic circles. Pronunciation may follow local Spanish pronunciation norms.
Connotations
Conveys similar intellectual/literary prestige in both regions. May be more widely recognized in American academia due to Latin American studies focus.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse, slightly higher in university humanities departments.
Grammar
How to Use “cortazar” in a Sentence
[Author] Cortázar + [verb: wrote, invented][Work] by Cortázar[Adjective] Cortázar storyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cortazar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The narrative Cortázars its way through time.
American English
- She tried to Cortázar the plot, making it non-linear.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in literature, Latin American studies, postmodern theory courses.
Everyday
Rare, only among educated individuals discussing literature.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cortazar”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cortazar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cortazar”
- Misspelling: Cortazar (missing accent), Cortasar, Cortezar.
- Mispronunciation: /ˈkɔːrtəzər/ (anglicizing).
- Using as a common noun: 'He is a cortazar.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a Spanish proper name that appears untranslated in English texts about literature.
English speakers typically approximate the Spanish pronunciation: /kɔːrˈtɑːzɑːr/ in American English, with a tapped or silent final 'r' in British English.
'Hopscotch' ('Rayuela' in Spanish) is his most famous novel, known for its optional reading order.
Not in standard English, but in literary criticism, formations like 'Cortázarian' or 'Cortázar-esque' are occasionally used descriptively.
A proper noun referring to the Argentine writer Julio Cortázar.
Cortazar is usually literary, academic, educated conversation in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Cortázar of a situation (rare, implying bizarre complexity)”
- “Jumping like in a Cortázar story (referencing 'Hopscotch')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Cortázar ZAPS you into a surreal story: CORT-A-ZAR.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHOR IS A WORLD (e.g., 'entering Cortázar's universe'), INNOVATION IS A LEAP (from 'Hopscotch').
Practice
Quiz
What is Julio Cortázar best known for?