covarrubias: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Academic
Quick answer
What does “covarrubias” mean?
A proper surname, originally Spanish.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper surname, originally Spanish.
Most commonly refers to Miguel Covarrubias (1904–1957), a Mexican painter, caricaturist, illustrator, ethnologist, and art historian. It may also refer to various places (e.g., Covarrubias, a town in Spain) or other individuals with this surname.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. It is a Spanish-origin name used internationally.
Connotations
In British English, it may be slightly more associated with academic contexts (art history, anthropology). In American English, it may be marginally more recognized due to Covarrubias's connections with 1930s-40s New York cultural scenes.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties, appearing primarily in specialized texts.
Grammar
How to Use “covarrubias” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (referential)[Proper Noun]'s [Noun]the [Noun] of [Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in art history, anthropology, and Latin American studies departments: 'Covarrubias's anthropological work in Bali was groundbreaking.'
Everyday
Virtually unused in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in museum catalogues, art monographs, and academic papers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “covarrubias”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “covarrubias”
- Misspelling: Covarubbias, Covarrubbias.
- Mispronunciation: putting primary stress on the first syllable.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a covarrubias').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency proper noun (surname).
In American English: /koʊvəˈrubiəs/ (koh-vuh-ROO-bee-uhs). In British English: /kɒvəˈruːbɪæs/ (kov-uh-ROO-bee-as).
Rarely and only attributively to describe something related to the person (e.g., 'a Covarrubias drawing'). It does not function as a standard descriptive adjective.
In academic texts on 20th-century art, caricature, Mexican culture, or the anthropology of Southeast Asia (specifically Bali).
A proper surname, originally Spanish.
Covarrubias is usually formal / academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COVer of RUBIes (rubies) and I ASk: imagine a man painting a cover for a book about rubies. Miguel Covarrubias illustrated many book covers.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NAME IS A LEGACY (The name evokes the artistic and intellectual legacy of the specific individual).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Covarrubias' primarily known as?