Francisco Villa

1 8.0

A Mexican general and leader in the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s

proper noun
/frænˈsɪskoʊ ˈvɪlɑ/

: Francisco Villa

Many historians consider Francisco Villa a pivotal figure in the Mexican Revolution.

Examples

The troops followed Francisco Villa during the famous raid on Columbus, New Mexico.
Movies and novels have depicted the dramatic life of Francisco Villa.
Francisco Villa was a revolutionary leader.
Did Francisco Villa really believe in his cause?
Many historians consider Francisco Villa a pivotal figure in the Mexican Revolution.
The troops followed Francisco Villa during the famous raid on Columbus, New Mexico.
Movies and novels have depicted the dramatic life of Francisco Villa.

Synonyms

Pancho Villa

vsFrancisco Villa

5 7.1

A Mexican leader who fought in the Mexican Revolution and led guerrilla raids

is presented as a formal military leader and general

Surface Forms

Francisco Villa main

Morphology

Francisco + Villa

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; its identity as a Mexican revolutionary leader is not compositionally derived from the parts. Knowing 'Francisco' (a given name) and 'villa' (a common noun or surname) does not allow a B1 learner to infer the referent or role, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

Francisco Villa was a famous Mexican leader better known as Pancho Villa; picture a bold horseman who led fast raids with his men across northern Mexico. That's why his name is remembered as a daring revolutionary general from the 'Mexican Revolution'.