cortez
word
Definition
A Spanish surname most famously associated with Hernán Cortés, the conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century. Also a common surname and place name in the Americas.
Usage & Nuances
Spelled 'Cortés' in Spanish (with accent), but often written 'Cortez' in English. The name appears in Keats's famous (and historically inaccurate) poem about 'stout Cortez' gazing at the Pacific. Also the name of a town in Colorado and a common Latino surname.
Example Sentences
Hernán Cortez conquered the Aztec Empire in 1521.
basic
Cortez is a small town in southwestern Colorado.
basic
The history class covered the story of Cortez and the fall of the Aztecs.
basic
Like Cortez burning his ships, the startup founder told investors there was no turning back.
natural
Keats mistakenly wrote about 'stout Cortez' when he meant Balboa discovering the Pacific.
natural
Officer Cortez was the first on the scene and immediately called for backup.
natural