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Don

Don

37 6.3
A polite title used before a man's first name in Spain
  • noun
  • /dɒn/
: Don
  • But even though I'm not one of your Spanish dons, I still have my pride.
  • a Spanish don

I'd love for you to explain who Don Valentin is.

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Examples

  • For example, one of the titles of utmost dancehall respect is "don."

    Academic text (1994)
  • It was no wonder the don's army had never been defeated in battle.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • I'd love for you to explain who Don Valentin is.

  • And I'd love for you to explain who Don Valentin is.

  • Montero has invited every don in California to a banquet.

  • You're the don's daughter.

  • But even though I'm not one of your Spanish dons, I still have my pride.

Synonyms

Monsieur
vsDon
  • Formal
239 7.8

A French title of respect for a man, like Mr in English

is Spanish rather than French in language and cultural use
Goodman
vsDon
138 9.7

An old respectful title for a man and a family name

is a current Spanish honorific used before first names rather than an archaic form
Herr
vsDon
  • Formal
86 8.1

A German title of respect used before a man's name, like Mr

is Spanish rather than German in language and cultural use
signor
vsDon
20 6.9

A polite title used before an Italian man's name

is Spanish rather than Italian in language and cultural use
Senhor
vsDon
1 8.2

A title of respect used before a man's name, like Mr in English

is Spanish rather than Portuguese in language and cultural use
señor
vsDon
1 6.3

A polite word used before a man's name, like Mr

is used specifically before a man's first name rather than as a general address
mang
vsDon
  • Philippine
1 9.9

A respectful word used before a man's name in the Philippines like Mister

is Spanish in origin and use rather than Filipino regional practice
messire
vsDon
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A respectful old title for a man used in stories

is a Spanish modern honorific used before first names not a historical literary title

Compounds

Don Quixote
  • Literature
21 8.0

A person with very unrealistic ideas who tries to change the world

Don Juan
  • NSFW
8 5.8

A man who has romantic or sexual relationships with many women

Teflon Don
  • Literature
1 9.9

A person, often a leader, who avoids blame or punishment despite bad actions

A city and major port on the Don River in southwestern Russia

1 4.5

A large river in the south of Russia that flows into the Sea of Azov

Surface Forms

Don singular
Dons plural

Etymology

Don comes from the Latin word dominus, which means 'lord' or 'master', and in Spanish it became a polite title used before a man's name. So calling someone Don is a way to show respect, like saying 'sir'.