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Glite Dictionary
Hernan Cortes

Hernan Cortes

6.7
A Spanish soldier who led the expedition that conquered the Aztec Empire
  • proper noun
  • /ˈhɜrnən ˈkɔrˌtɛs/
translation icon : Hernán Cortés
  • The conquest led by Hernan Cortes dramatically changed the course of Mexican history.

Examples

  • Hernan Cortes was a key figure in the Spanish conquest of Mexico.

  • Some accounts describe Hernan Cortes negotiating alliances with indigenous peoples to overthrow the Aztec Empire.

  • Many historians regard Hernan Cortes as one of the most influential figures in the history of the Americas.

  • The conquest led by Hernan Cortes dramatically changed the course of Mexican history.

  • Did Hernan Cortes really defeat the Aztecs?

  • Many historians regard Hernan Cortes as one of the most influential figures in the history of the Americas.

  • Some accounts describe Hernan Cortes negotiating alliances with indigenous peoples to overthrow the Aztec Empire.

Synonyms

Cortes
vsHernan Cortes
6 7.2

Spanish soldier and leader who defeats the Aztecs and takes over Mexico

uses the full given name as well as the surname
Hernan Cortez
vsHernan Cortes
6.7

A Spanish soldier and explorer who led the conquest of the Aztec Empire

uses the preferred given-name form and standard surname spelling
Hernando Cortes
vsHernan Cortes
6.6

A Spanish soldier who led the conquest of the Aztec Empire in Mexico

uses the shorter given-name ending and standard surname form
Hernando Cortez
vsHernan Cortes
7.2

A Spanish leader known for defeating the Aztec Empire and making Mexico part of Spain

differs by both given-name ending and surname spelling from the preferred form

Surface Forms

Hernan Cortes main

Morphology

Hernan + Cortes

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person, so its meaning is referential and depends on world/historical knowledge rather than compositional word meanings. Even if a B1 learner knows the constituent forms 'Hernan' and 'Cortes', they cannot derive that this refers to the Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Aztec Empire, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

Hernan Cortes was a Spanish soldier who led a small group of men into the Aztec lands in the early 1500s. By making local allies and capturing the Aztec capital, he helped Spain 'take control' of Mexico, so his name is remembered as the leader of that conquest.