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abanico
/a.βaˈni.ko/
handheld fan
En verano, siempre llevo un abanico en el bolso.
In summer, I always carry a handheld fan in my bag.
neutral
A handheld device used to cool oneself by waving it back and forth.
El abanico de madera tallada era un regalo de su abuela.
The handheld fan made of carved wood was a gift from her grandmother.
Often decorative, especially in Spanish and Latin American cultures.
figurative
A range or variety of options or possibilities.
El abanico de posibilidades en esa carrera es enorme.
The range of possibilities in that career is enormous.
Used metaphorically to describe a broad spectrum.
Collocations
abanico de opcionesrange of optionsabanico de colorescolor palette
Pro Tip
Figurative vs. Literal
Remember that 'abanico' can mean both a physical fan and a metaphorical range. The context will usually clarify which meaning is intended.
Gold Rule
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, especially in flamenco or traditional dances, 'abanico' often refers to a decorative, folding fan used in performances.
Word Origin
From the diminutive of 'abano' (fan), derived from Latin 'abanus' (fan), ultimately from Greek 'ἀπάνευθεν' (apanéuthen, away from), referring to the motion of waving something away.
Usage Notes
In Spain and Latin America, 'abanico' is commonly used in both its literal and figurative senses. The figurative use ('range of options') is more common in written or formal contexts.
Word Breakdown
a-
prefix indicating direction or intensification
prefix-ban-
from Latin 'abanus' (fan)
root-ico
diminutive suffix
suffixDiccionario Español-Inglés