monstruo

monster

noun MOHNS-trwoh Rare

Origin: From Latin monstrum (portent, monster).

Usage Note

Monstruo denotes a frightening or grotesque creature, but colloquially it is also used as high praise, meaning someone extraordinarily talented: es un monstruo del fútbol ('he is a football phenomenon'). The adjective monstruoso means 'monstrous' or 'enormous'. The word is masculine and stays un monstruo even when applied to a woman.

Examples

"El niño tiene miedo del monstruo bajo la cama."

Natural Translation

The child is afraid of the monster under the bed.

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