bonanza
buh-NAN-zuh
/bəˈnɑːnzə/
A situation or event that creates a sudden increase in wealth, good fortune, or profits.
Implies a sudden, unexpected, and often large windfall or stroke of good luck, typically in financial terms.
The story behind the word. Our word 'bonanza' comes from the Spanish word 'bonanza,' which originally meant 'fair weather' or 'calm sea.' This, in turn, came from Latin 'bonus,' meaning 'good.' Imagine sailors hoping for 'good weather' for a smooth journey. This sense of good fortune then extended to mining, where a 'bonanza' referred to the discovery of a rich vein of ore – a sudden stroke of good luck. From there, it grew to mean any sudden, large increase in wealth or prosperity.
Word relationships
- windfall: A sum of money or other gain received unexpectedly.
- jackpot: A large cash prize, especially one that accumulates until won.
- godsend: A very helpful or valuable thing, person, or event.
- drought: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall; (figurative) a prolonged shortage.
- bust: A sudden decline in economic activity.
Commonly confused with
- profit: 'Profit' is general financial gain. 'Bonanza' is a sudden, large, and often unexpected profit or gain.
Collocations
- oil bonanza
- gold bonanza
- tax bonanza
- advertising bonanza
- tourism bonanza
Example sentences
- "The discovery of a new gold vein turned the struggling mine into a bonanza for its investors." Mining discovery
- "The unexpected surge in tourism proved to be a bonanza for local businesses." Economic event
- "The new streaming service was a content bonanza, offering thousands of movies and shows." Figurative use
Memory hook
A 'BONANZA' is a 'BONUS' that comes 'ANZA' (all at once) like a sudden windfall. BONUS ALL AT ONCE
When not to use
Avoid 'bonanza' for small, expected gains or minor successes. It specifically refers to a significant, often surprising, increase in fortune.
Fun facts
- The term 'bonanza' became widely known during the California Gold Rush and later the Comstock Lode silver strike in Nevada, where miners would exclaim 'Bonanza!' upon finding a rich vein.
Explore more words
fluke, fortuitous, serendipity, Boom, providential, blockbuster
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