duende

American  

[dwen-de, doo-en-dey] / ˈdwɛn dɛ, duˈɛn deɪ /

noun

Spanish.

plural

duendes

1. a goblin; demon; spirit.

2. charm; magnetism.

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duende British  

/ duːˈɛndeɪ /

noun

1. inspiration or passion, esp associated with flamenco

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Etymology

Origin of duende

First recorded in 1685–95 duende for def. 1; 1955–60 duende for def. 2; Spanish, shortened from duen de (casa) “master of (the house)”; duen, variant of dueño “lord, master” (from Latin dominus; dominate ( def. ) ) + de de ( def. )

Example Sentences

The simultaneous fondness for the recurring motifs of speculative fiction and its irreverent mocking of twists and tools that have been done to death are central to this show's duende.

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2021

The first precept of duende was “irrationality,” which Mr. Calderon appears to have interpreted as “making sense is optional.”

From New York Times • Jan. 29, 2019

Mr Banderas loses something of the duende when he acts in English speaking roles — his Spanish speaking roles are unmatched in authenticity, grace, style.

From New York Times • Apr. 18, 2018

I for one will sadly miss him and his duende.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2014

Sing with me, the duende cries, sing for the black sea that awaits your voice.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García