fan
2 antonyms and opposites of fan, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A device, hand-held or powered, that moves air to cool someone or something down.
Antonyms
How to use fan
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English fann, "a winnowing fan," from Latin vannus, a tool used to toss grain into the air to separate it from chaff.
Full origin of fan →Frequently asked questions
What does “fan” mean?
The word “fan” means a device, hand-held or powered, that moves air to cool someone or something down. In plain terms, either something that blows air to cool you down, or someone who's enthusiastic about a person, team, or hobby.
How do you pronounce “fan”?
“Fan” is pronounced fan (/fæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “fan” in a sentence?
Here is “fan” used in a sentence: “She waved a paper fan to cool herself in the heat.”
What is another word for “fan”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fan” include admirer, aficionado, buff, connoisseur, enthusiast and devotee.
What is the opposite of “fan”?
The opposite of “fan” — its antonyms — are anti-fan and hater.
What part of speech is “fan”?
Depending on how it is used, “fan” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fan” come from?
The word “fan” comes from Latin. From Old English fann, "a winnowing fan," from Latin vannus, a tool used to toss grain into the air to separate it from chaff.
Is “fan” a common word?
“Fan” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between a fan and an air conditioner?
A fan simply moves air around; it does not lower the room's temperature. An air conditioner actively removes heat and moisture, cooling the air itself. A fan makes you feel cooler by helping sweat evaporate, whereas an air conditioner genuinely chills the space, using far more energy.
How does a fan cool you down?
A fan doesn't cool the air — it moves it. The moving air sweeps away the warm, humid layer sitting on your skin and speeds up the evaporation of sweat, which carries heat away from your body. That is why a fan feels refreshing yet barely changes room temperature.
What are the types of fan?
Common powered types include ceiling fans, desk and pedestal fans, tower fans, box fans, and extractor or exhaust fans that pull stale air out of kitchens and bathrooms. Hand-held fans, whether folding paper ones or small battery models, move air the same way without a fixed motor.
Does the word 'fan' have another meaning?
Yes. Besides the air-moving device, 'fan' also means an enthusiastic admirer or supporter — a fan of a band or a football team. This sense is generally thought to be short for 'fanatic,' and is unrelated to the cooling device despite the identical spelling. Context makes the meaning clear.