hidalgo
Hidalgo (noun) means a member of the lower Spanish nobility, historically exempt from certain taxes but without a formal title. Example: “The old hidalgo insisted on being addressed with proper courtesy despite his empty purse.”
How to use hidalgo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rank of Spanish gentry below a full nobleman — genteel but often not wealthy.
You will most often meet this word in the context of Spanish literature, especially Don Quixote.
Trace the full origin ↓Word forms
hidalgos plural, hidalgoes plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old _____ insisted on being addressed with proper courtesy despite his empty purse.
Etymology
From Spanish hidalgo, a contraction of the older phrase hijo de algo, literally "son of something" — meaning a man of some property or standing.
Frequently asked questions
What does “hidalgo” mean?
The word “hidalgo” means a member of the lower Spanish nobility, historically exempt from certain taxes but without a formal title. In plain terms, a rank of Spanish gentry below a full nobleman — genteel but often not wealthy.
How do you pronounce “hidalgo”?
“Hidalgo” is pronounced hih-DAL-goh (/hɪˈdælɡəʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hidalgo” in a sentence?
Here is “hidalgo” used in a sentence: “The old hidalgo insisted on being addressed with proper courtesy despite his empty purse.”
What part of speech is “hidalgo”?
“Hidalgo” is a noun.
Where does the word “hidalgo” come from?
The word “hidalgo” comes from Spanish. From Spanish hidalgo, a contraction of the older phrase hijo de algo, literally "son of something" — meaning a man of some property or standing.
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