Abencerrages Usage and Pronunciation

Professor Gu's English Class

Overview Meanings Pronunciation Usage Practice

Abencerrages

/ɑːbɛnˈsɛrɑːʒ/
Noun Historical term

Basic Definition:A noble Moorish family in medieval Granada

Etymology:From Spanish "Abencerrajes"

📚 Core Meanings

Historical Family

Refers to a powerful Moorish clan in 15th century Granada

Abencerrages were rivals of the Zegrí family.
The Abencerrages played key roles in Nasrid court politics.
History

Literary Reference

Featured in romantic tales about Moorish Spain

The Abencerrages appear in Chateaubriand's novel.
Stories about the Abencerrages inspired many artists.
Literature

Cultural Symbol

Represents Moorish nobility and tragic romance

The Abencerrages became symbols of chivalry.
Their story embodies the romance of Al-Andalus.
Culture

"Abencerrages" is primarily used in historical and literary contexts, particularly when discussing medieval Spain or romantic literature about the Moors.

🔄 Usage Comparison

English Examples

The Abencerrages were massacred in the Alhambra.

Legends about the Abencerrages spread across Europe.

This painting depicts the Abencerrages knights.

Translations

The Abencerrages were massacred in the Alhambra.

Legends about the Abencerrages spread across Europe.

This painting depicts the Abencerrages knights.

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

British Pronunciation

/ɑːbɛnˈsɛrɑːʒ/

ah-ben-SEH-razh

American Pronunciation

/ɑːbɛnˈsɛrɑːʒ/

ah-ben-SEH-razh

Key Pronunciation Points:

Common Mistakes

  • Pronouncing the final "s"
  • Stressing the first syllable
  • Mispronouncing the "j" sound as /dʒ/

🎯 Common Collocations

Abencerrages + massacre

Historical event reference

the Abencerrages massacre
tragic fate of the Abencerrages
History

Legend + Abencerrages

Literary references

legends of the Abencerrages
romantic tales about the Abencerrages
Literature

Abencerrages + Hall

Architectural reference

Abencerrages Hall in Alhambra
the famous Abencerrages courtyard
Architecture

Grammar Notes

Singular: Abencerrage
Plural: Abencerrages

⚠️ Common Confusions

Don't Confuse:

The Abencerrages were Christian knights. (Incorrect)

Correct:The Abencerrages were Moorish nobles.

Abencerrages refers to a place in Spain. (Incorrect)

Correct:Abencerrages refers to a noble family.

✍️ Practice Exercises

Translation Practice

1. The Abencerrages were influential in Granada.
2. This novel describes the Abencerrages tragedy.
3. Historians debate the fate of the Abencerrages.

1. The Abencerrages were influential in Granada.

2. This novel describes the Abencerrages tragedy.

3. Historians debate the fate of the Abencerrages.

Pronunciation Practice

Repeat these sentences:

• The Abencerrages were noble knights. [ɑːbɛnˈsɛrɑːʒ]
• Stories about the Abencerrages are legendary. [ɑːbɛnˈsɛrɑːʒ]
• Visit the Abencerrages Hall in Alhambra. [ɑːbɛnˈsɛrɑːʒ]

Correction Exercise

Identify and correct errors:

1. The Abencerrages were French aristocrats.
2. Pronounced [æbən'sɜːrɪdʒɪz]
3. The Abencerrages built the Great Mosque.

1. The Abencerrages were Moorish nobles.

2. Pronounced [ɑːbɛnˈsɛrɑːʒ]

3. The Abencerrages were a noble family in Granada.