Noun
/lince/
The word "lince" refers to a species of wild cat known for its characteristic tufted ears, short tail, and keen eyesight. In Spanish, it is primarily used to describe the animal itself, but it can also be utilized metaphorically to refer to someone who is especially sharp-witted or observant.
"lince" is not only a common noun in the contexts of fauna and wildlife but can also appear in descriptive phrases. The frequency of use varies, with it being more prevalent in written contexts such as literature and nature-related texts, yet it can still emerge in everyday conversation, especially in regions where the animal is native.
El lince es un animal solitario que habita en bosques y montañas.
The lynx is a solitary animal that inhabits forests and mountains.
Su aguda visión le permitía ver a un lince a través de la densa niebla.
His sharp eyesight allowed him to see a lynx through the dense fog.
El lince ibérico está en peligro de extinción y necesita protección.
The Iberian lynx is endangered and needs protection.
"lince" is not particularly common in idiomatic expressions, but it can be involved in phrases that refer to cleverness or sharpness of mind.
"Ser más astuto que un lince"
To be more cunning than a lynx. - This phrase refers to someone who is very shrewd or crafty in their dealings.
La maestra es más astuta que un lince; siempre sabe qué hacer en cada situación.
The teacher is more cunning than a lynx; she always knows what to do in every situation.
"Al lince no se le escapa nada"
Nothing escapes the lynx. - This expression is used to describe a person who is very observant and misses nothing.
Juan tiene una memoria increíble, al lince no se le escapa nada.
Juan has an incredible memory; nothing escapes the lynx.
"Tienes que ser rápido como un lince"
You need to be quick as a lynx. - This phrase can be used to encourage someone to act quickly.
En el juego, tienes que ser rápido como un lince si quieres ganar.
In the game, you need to be quick as a lynx if you want to win.
The word "lince" comes from the Latin "lynx," which also directly pertains to the animal. The term has been part of the Spanish language since at least the 16th century.
Synonyms: - Gato montés (wild cat)
Antonyms: - No exact antonyms exist, as "lince" is a specific term referring to a singular species of animal. However, in a metaphorical sense, one may consider terms like "tonto" (fool) or "necio" (foolish) as antonyms when used to describe mental sharpness.