edad de oro
Lemma Details
Translation: golden age; age of gold
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: From Spanish 'edad' (age) + 'de' (of) + 'oro' (gold). 'Edad' derives from Latin 'aetas', while 'oro' comes from Latin 'aurum', which is also the root of the English word 'aurum' in the periodic table (Au). The concept of a 'golden age' dates back to classical antiquity, particularly in Greek and Roman mythology, where it represented an idyllic period of peace, harmony, and prosperity.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El Renacimiento fue considerado una edad de oro para el arte europeo.
The Renaissance was considered a golden age for European art.
Los años 50 representan la edad de oro del cine de Hollywood.
The 1950s represent the golden age of Hollywood cinema.
Muchos consideran que estamos viviendo la edad de oro de la televisión.
Many consider that we are living in the golden age of television.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'edad' as 'era' + 'dad' (father time) to remember it means 'age'
- Oro sounds like 'or' in English, and gold medals are often given for first place (or gold)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'Edad de Oro' or more commonly 'Siglo de Oro' (Golden Century) specifically refers to a period in Spanish history from the late 15th through the late 17th century when Spanish art, literature, and global influence reached its zenith. This period saw the works of Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Velázquez, among others. The term is frequently used in educational and cultural contexts when discussing Spanish history and literature.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'edad de oro' refers to a golden age in general, 'siglo de oro' specifically refers to a golden century, and in Spanish culture, it specifically denotes the 16th-17th century period of artistic flourishing.
Confused word:
El Siglo de Oro español produjo obras maestras como Don Quijote.
The Spanish Golden Century produced masterpieces like Don Quixote.
Notes: In casual conversation, these terms might be used interchangeably, but in academic or historical contexts, the distinction is important.
Mnemonic: 'Edad' is broader (age/era), while 'siglo' specifically means 'century'