How Do You Spell GUERNICA?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɜːnɪkə] (IPA)

Guernica, a town in northern Spain, is known for the devastating bombing by German and Italian warplanes during the Spanish Civil War in 1937. The spelling of the word Guernica is pronounced gɛɹˈnika, with stress on the second syllable and the "g" pronounced as a "hard g". The "u" is silent, and the "e" and "i" create a diphthong sound, similar to "ei" in "weigh". In Spanish, "gu" is pronounced like "g" in "goose", while in English, "gu" is often pronounced like "gw".

Meaning and Definition
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GUERNICA Meaning and Definition

  1. Guernica is a noun that refers to a renowned painting by the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. This masterpiece depicts the tragic bombing of Guernica, a Basque town during the Spanish Civil War. The term "guernica" has come to represent the horrific consequences of war and the suffering inflicted upon civilians.

    The painting Guernica was created in 1937 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artworks of the 20th century. It measures about 11 feet by 25 feet and is composed predominantly in monochromatic shades of black, white, and gray. Picasso employed his unique style of Cubism to capture the chaos and devastation witnessed during the horrific aerial bombing.

    Guernica is known for its powerful symbolism, with various elements representing different aspects of the tragedy. The traumatized figures, animalistic screams, and shattered buildings serve as poignant reminders of the innocent lives destroyed by warfare. The painting has become a universal symbol of the horrors of war, reflecting the horrors that innocent civilians experience in conflicts worldwide.

    Due to its powerful emotive impact and thought-provoking nature, Guernica has become an iconic work of art that transcends its historical context. It symbolizes the collective human struggle against violence and serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during times of war. The continued relevance and significance of Guernica have solidified its place as a timeless masterpiece in both art history and social commentary.

Common Misspellings for GUERNICA

Etymology of GUERNICA

The word "Guernica" is derived from the name of a small town located in northern Spain. It comes from the Basque language, which is spoken in the Basque region where Guernica is situated. In Basque, the town is called "Gernika" (pronounced gehr-NEE-ka), and the Spanish translation is "Guernica". The name itself is believed to have originated from the Basque terms "gera" (meaning "oak") and "ika" (meaning "place"). This etymology suggests that Guernica may have been a place known for its oak trees in ancient times.