Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Isabella I of Castile: A historical figure, the Queen of Castile and León from 1474 until her death in 1504. Her reign, jointly with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon, was pivotal in the formation of modern Spain and the Spanish Empire. She is most famously known for sponsoring the transatlantic voyages of Christopher Columbus.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Isabella the Catholic and Ferdinand of Aragon are often called the "Catholic Monarchs."
  • The unification of Spain began with the marriage of Isabella the Catholic to Ferdinand.
  • Isabella the Catholic provided critical support for Christopher Columbus's expedition in 1492.

Advanced Usage

• "The Catholic Monarchs": This is the joint title commonly used for Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, recognizing their shared role in promoting Catholicism and consolidating Spanish territories.
  • The policies of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, had a lasting impact on European history.

Variants and Related Words

• Isabella I (Proper noun): The more standard regnal name.
• Isabel la Católica (Proper noun): The Spanish name for the queen.
• Ferdinand II of Aragon (Proper noun): Her husband and co-ruler.
• The Catholic Monarchs (Los Reyes Católicos) (Proper noun phrase): The collective title for Isabella and Ferdinand.

Synonyms

• Isabella I of Castile (Proper noun): The direct synonym.
• Queen Isabella (Proper noun): A common shortened reference, though context is needed to distinguish her from other Queen Isabellas.

Related Phrases

• To sponsor an expedition: To provide financial or political support for a journey of exploration.
  • Isabella the Catholic agreed to sponsor Columbus's expedition.
• To institute the Inquisition: To formally establish a tribunal for suppressing heresy.
  • The monarchs moved to institute the Spanish Inquisition in their realms.

Noun

1. the queen of Castile whose marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon in 1469 marked the beginning of the modern state of Spain; they instituted the Spanish Inquisition in 1478 and sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus in 1492 (1451-1504)