aficionado

[ uh-fish-yuh-nah-doh; Spanish ah-fee-thyaw-nah-thaw, ah-fee-syaw- ]

noun

, plural a·fi·cio·na·dos [uh, -fish-y, uh, -, nah, -dohz, ah-fee-thyaw-, nah, -, th, aws].

1. an ardent devotee; fan, enthusiast.

aficionado

/ afiθjoˈnaðo; əˌfɪʃjəˈnɑːdəʊ /

noun

1. an ardent supporter or devotee

   a jazz aficionado

2. a devotee of bullfighting

Word History and Origins

Origin of aficionado¹

First recorded in 1835–45; from Spanish: literally, “amateur,” past participle -ado ( -ate ¹ ) of aficionar “to engender affection,” equivalent to afición affection ¹ + -ar infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of aficionado¹

Spanish, from aficionar to arouse affection, from afición affection

Example Sentences

A former Disney child star and YouTube prankster who compares himself to the great Muhammad Ali is unlikely to ever win over boxing aficionados.

From BBC

Another avian aficionado, who gave his details simply as Paul from London, said it had been an early start to get to the site in good time.

From BBC

In the Season 2 premiere, Nathan Lane plays Phillip, an opera aficionado who resorts to murder to deal with a nightmare audience member.

From Los Angeles Times

The candidates are well known to Formula 1 aficionados:

From BBC

Consider this a small-but-thoughtful gift for wildflower lovers or any plant aficionados who want to make a statement stylishly on a jacket, hat or bag.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• connoisseur
• devotee
• enthusiast
• fanatic