Armada - it sounds reliable and militant

Armada ... This word is associated with something majestic, indestructible, victorious. Not for nothing because of its sound it rhymes perfectly with the "hulk" and "brigade", but in meaning it is close to everything connected with military affairs, offensive, armament. Surprisingly, in the dictionary of Dahl there is not even a clear definition of the armada, the corresponding page sends the reader to get acquainted with the description of the noun "army".

Semantic meaning of the word

What is an armada? In modern Russian, this term, having a Spanish origin, means a large number of sea, land or air equipment operating in concert, subject to a single command.

The word is often found in works of fiction in describing a powerful military corps, when the exact number of tanks, ships or aircraft that make up its composition is unknown. It is worth noting that this term does not always have a positive value. The Armada in the novel of the same name by Alexei Square about the rules that reigned in the Russian army of the 90s is represented by a soulless and ruthless monster that suppresses the human dignity of soldiers and officers.

Where and when the first armada appeared

In 1588, the Spanish King Philip II, while at war with England, equipped a fleet of more than 100 units of rowing and sailing ships, intending to inflict the final blow on the enemy. A large combination of warships was called "invincible armada." This was to become a symbol of triumph, as the proud monarch hoped for an imminent success while marching to the shores of the Foggy Albion.

However, Philip's plans were not destined to come true. The bulk of its mighty, but slow-moving fleet could not withstand the easy maneuverable English ships, which caused a crushing defeat. The surviving ships on the way home got into a severe storm, many crashed against the rocks, some sank.

A sad historical fact has served to the fact that the phrase "invincible armada" began to be used with ironic implication. So they say not only about the troops who lost the battle, but also about the associations of people who declared their grandiose intentions and failed to cope with the tasks set.

Armada as a proper name

Today there are many foreign and domestic companies, in the names of which there is the word "armada". These are construction companies, information publishers, agro-industrial complexes, and shopping centers.

For example, the Dutch record label, which produces music CDs, is called Armada Music. A Russian company specializing in the development of IT technologies and software is registered under the brand "Armada". This name is given to cinemas, parks, entertainment facilities, salons of consumer services, emphasizing the reliability of their work.

In many cities around the world you can find signs that belong to different companies, which bear a beautiful and sonorous word that came to us from medieval Spain.