merida: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal (geographical/political contexts), Informal (film/pop culture contexts)
Quick answer
What does “merida” mean?
A proper noun referring to a city in Spain (capital of Extremadura) or a city in Mexico (capital of Yucatán).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to a city in Spain (capital of Extremadura) or a city in Mexico (capital of Yucatán).
It can also refer to the fictional princess character Mérida from Disney-Pixar's film 'Brave'. As a proper noun, it is primarily used as a place name or a given name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant linguistic differences in usage. Both use it as a proper noun. Awareness of the Spanish or Mexican city may vary by region.
Connotations
In the UK, may more immediately evoke the Spanish city due to tourism and geographical proximity. In the US, may more readily evoke the Mexican city or the Disney character due to cultural proximity.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, occurring mainly in specific geographical, historical, or pop culture discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “merida” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “merida” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Mérida festival is spectacular.
- He collects Mérida pottery.
American English
- The Mérida climate is tropical.
- She loves Mérida cuisine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism or trade related to those specific regions.
Academic
Used in geography, history, archaeology, and Latin American/Spanish studies.
Everyday
Most likely in travel planning or discussions about the film 'Brave'.
Technical
Used in cartography, urban planning, or cultural studies referencing specific locations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “merida”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “merida”
- Misspelling as 'Merida' without the accent (though common in English contexts).
- Confusing the Spanish and Mexican cities.
- Using it as a common noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency proper noun used primarily to refer to specific places or a fictional character.
In English, it is typically pronounced /ˈmɛrɪdə/. In Spanish, it is /ˈmeɾiða/.
Mérida, Spain is famous for its well-preserved Roman ruins. Mérida, Mexico is famous as a cultural center of the Yucatán peninsula and its Mayan history. The fictional Mérida is famous as the protagonist of Disney-Pixar's 'Brave'.
In formal writing, especially when referring to the Spanish or Mexican city, the accent is often retained. In informal contexts, particularly referring to the Disney character, it is frequently omitted ('Merida').
A proper noun referring to a city in Spain (capital of Extremadura) or a city in Mexico (capital of Yucatán).
Merida is usually formal (geographical/political contexts), informal (film/pop culture contexts) in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Mérida: Remember it's a Major Earthly Region In Spain (and also Another in Mexico).
Conceptual Metaphor
PLACE IS AN ENTITY (The ancient Mérida sleeps under the modern city.) / CHARACTER IS A SPIRIT (Mérida's spirit is one of independence.)
Practice
Quiz
Mérida is the capital of which Mexican state?