The word "infante" is commonly misspelled because of its unusual spelling. In fact, the correct spelling of this word is "infante" not "infant". The reason for this unusual spelling is because the word is derived from the original Spanish word "Infanta" which refers to a newborn baby boy. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is [ɪnˈfɑːnteɪ] which shows the proper pronunciation of the word. Therefore, it is important to always double-check the spelling of the word "infante" to avoid misspelling it as "infant".
Infante is a noun that refers to a title given to the male children or descendants of the reigning monarchs of Spain and Portugal. The term originated from the Latin word "infans," which means "child." Historically, it was specifically used to designate the male heirs to the throne and was often translated as "prince" or "princess" for females.
Infante is commonly accompanied by the full given name of the person. In some cases, it can be used as a prefix to a name, such as Infante Manuel or Infante Juan, to denote a royal prince in the Spanish and Portuguese lineages. The title is also associated with royalty in other Hispanic countries, though it may vary slightly in its nuances and application.
Beyond its literal meaning as a title, infante can also be used in a more general sense to refer to a nobleman or a royal son, even outside the context of Spain and Portugal. In this broader sense, it signifies a member of the royal family or a prince in any hereditary monarchy.
In summary, infante is a noun that denotes the male children or descendants of reigning monarchs in Spain and Portugal. This title has its roots in Latin and has historically been used to designate male heirs to the throne. However, it can also be employed more loosely to refer to noble or royal sons in other hereditary monarchies.
In Spain and Portugal, any son of the king except the eldest; any daughter except the eldest is styled the infanta.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "infante" comes from Old Provençal "enfant" which means "child". It is derived from Latin "infans" which also means "child" or "infant". The Latin word "infans" is composed of the prefix "in-" meaning "not" and "fari" meaning "to speak". Thus, the original meaning of "infans" was "one who cannot speak", referring to a young child who was incapable of expressing themselves verbally. Over time, the term "infante" developed in Spanish and Portuguese to specifically denote a noble title given to the sons or daughters of a monarch, usually translated as "prince" or "princess".