ganador
Lemma Details
Translation: winner; victor; champion
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'ganar' (to win, to earn) plus the suffix '-dor' which indicates the agent who performs the action. 'Ganar' comes from Gothic 'ganan' (to covet, to desire). The English cognate 'gain' shares this Germanic root, both evolving to describe the acquisition of something valuable through effort or competition.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'gain' + '-ador' (one who gains)
- Remember that a 'ganador' has 'gained' a victory
- Associate with English 'gain' + '-er' (gainer → winner)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, the term 'ganador' carries significant weight in competitive contexts, from sports to reality TV shows. The phrase 'el ganador se lo lleva todo' (the winner takes it all) is commonly used in contests and competitions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Ganador' means 'winner' while 'ganado' means 'livestock' or 'cattle', or can be the past participle of 'ganar' (to win).
Notes: Both words share the same root 'ganar', but 'ganado' as 'livestock' comes from a different etymological path, derived from the verb 'ganar' in its older sense of 'to acquire' or 'to obtain'.
Mnemonic: 'Ganador' ends with '-dor' like many agent nouns (comprador, vendedor), while 'ganado' ends with '-ado' like many past participles.
Explanation: 'Ganador' refers to a person who wins, while 'ganancia' refers to profit or earnings.
Confused word:
La ganancia de la empresa aumentó este año.
The company's profit increased this year.
Notes: Both terms derive from 'ganar' but refer to different outcomes of winning or gaining.
Mnemonic: 'Ganancia' sounds like 'gain' + '-ancia', think of financial gain; 'ganador' has '-dor' which often indicates a person.