fan
fan
Pronunciation
IPA phonetic spelling: /fæn/
fan
/f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative
/æ/ - near-open front unrounded vowel
/n/ - alveolar nasal
Word Form Variations
Singular noun: fan
Plural noun: fans
Present tense verb (base form): fan
Present tense verb (third-person singular): fans
Present participle verb: fanning
Past tense verb: fanned
Past participle verb: fanned
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A device, typically consisting of rotating blades, used to create a current of air for cooling or ventilation.
Synonyms: ventilator, air mover, blower
Antonyms: heater (in terms of function), still air
Definition 2: An enthusiastic admirer or supporter of a person, group, sport, or idea.
Synonyms: admirer, devotee, enthusiast, supporter, aficionado, follower
Antonyms: detractor, critic, opponent, hater
Verb
Definition 1: To cause air to move or circulate, especially with a fan or by waving something.
Synonyms: cool, ventilate, aerate, waft
Antonyms: stifle, trap, warm
Definition 2: To increase the intensity or spread of something, often a fire or an emotion.
Synonyms: ignite, inflame, stir, agitate, escalate, fuel
Antonyms: extinguish, dampen, suppress, quell, smother
Examples of Use
Books:
"She used a paper fan to gently cool herself in the oppressive heat of the summer afternoon." (From a historical fiction novel, specific title and author not provided for this general example)
"Every night, the young wizard would meticulously fan through the ancient spellbook, searching for a forgotten incantation." (From a fantasy novel, specific title and author not provided for this general example)
"The author has cultivated a passionate fan base over the years, eagerly awaiting each new release." (Literary criticism/analysis of an author's career, specific title and author not provided for this general example)
Newspapers:
"The stadium was packed with ecstatic football fans cheering on their team in the championship match." ( The Daily Chronicle, Sports Section)
"New regulations aim to prevent ticket scalpers from exploiting concert fans by reselling tickets at exorbitant prices." (The Metropolitan Herald, Local News)
"Investigators are working to determine if faulty wiring caused the attic fan to overheat and spark the blaze." (City Gazette, Breaking News)
Online Publications:
"Viral video shows a dog learning to turn on a standing fan with its nose, much to the amusement of its owners." ( PetsMonthly.com, Viral Videos)
"The internet was abuzz with speculation as movie fans dissected every frame of the new superhero trailer." (Collider.com, Movie News)
"Climate change activists are working to fan the flames of public discourse around renewable energy solutions." (EcoWatch.org, Opinion)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"Welcome back, fans, to another exciting episode of 'The Cosmic Chronicles'!" (Opening line of a podcast, The Cosmic Chronicles, Episode 127, July 2, 2025)
"The band's recent live performance was a treat for long-time fans, featuring many of their classic hits." (Music review on a blog, RockRootsReviews.net)
"Can you believe the director tried to fan out the suspense by adding that unnecessary jump scare?" (Conversation on a film analysis YouTube channel, CinemaSavant)
(On a social media platform like X/Twitter) "Just met my favorite author at the book signing! Such a surreal experience for a huge fan like me! #BookLove #Literary" (@ReaderForever)
General Public Discourse:
"Could you please fan me? It's sweltering in here." (Spoken request between individuals)
"My brother's a huge fan of that football club; he never misses a game." (Casual conversation about interests)
"Don't fan the rumors, let's stick to the facts." (Advice given to someone spreading unverified information)
"The concert tickets sold out so fast because of her massive fan following." (Discussion about a popular musician)
10 Famous Quotes Using Fan
"I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." (Thomas Jefferson, attributed) - This quote, while not directly using "fan," is often used by fans of hard work and dedication.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." (Mahatma Gandhi) - This speaks to the devotion of a "fan" to a cause or ideal.
"I'm a big fan of people who are masters of their craft." (Tom Hanks, attributed)
"You want to know who I am? I'm a man who loves his art, and loves his fans." (Prince, from an interview)
"Art is never finished, only abandoned." (Leonardo da Vinci) - This can resonate with "fans" of art, who appreciate the ongoing creative process.
"If you want to be a successful writer, you have to be a fan of writers." (Stephen King, from On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft)
"I am a fan of truth, no matter who tells it. I am a fan of justice, no matter who it is for or against." (Malcolm X, from a speech)
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." (Walt Disney) - This quote can be inspiring for "fans" of action and progress.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." (Winston Churchill) - This embodies the spirit of resilience that "fans" often show for their teams or ideals.
"The public is a fickle fan; it applauds today and forgets tomorrow." (Proverbial saying)
Etymology
The word "fan" actually has two main origins that developed separately over time, leading to its different meanings today.
1. The "air-moving device" fan and the verb "to fan" (like with air):
This meaning of "fan" goes all the way back to Old English, where the word was "fann."
Its original meaning in Old English was a "basket or shovel used for winnowing grain."
"Winnowing" was an old farming technique where farmers would toss grain into the air. The lighter "chaff" (the husks and waste material) would blow away in the wind, while the heavier, edible grain would fall back down. So, the "fann" was essentially a tool to create a current of air.
This Old English "fann" came from the Latin word "vannus," which also referred to a winnowing basket. The connection to "wind" (Latin ventus) is likely, as both relate to moving air.
Over time, the meaning evolved from a basket to any device that moves air, like the hand-held fans or electric fans we know today. The verb "to fan" (to move air, or to stir something up like a fire) developed directly from this noun. The sense of "device for moving air" first appeared in the late 14th century, and the hand-held version in the mid-1500s.
2. The "enthusiastic admirer" fan:
This meaning is much more recent and emerged in American English around 1889, originally used to describe passionate baseball enthusiasts.
It's widely believed to be a shortening of the word "fanatic."
"Fanatic" itself has an interesting history, coming from the Latin word "fanaticus," which initially meant "pertaining to a temple" or "inspired by a god." This then evolved to mean someone who is excessively enthusiastic, often with negative connotations of being overly zealous or even mad.
So, while the two meanings of "fan" seem very different, they both ultimately connect back to the idea of movement (air for the device, and intense emotion/excitement for the admirer).
Phrases + Idioms Containing Fan
Fan the flames: To make a bad situation or strong emotion worse.
Hit the fan: (Often "when the shit hits the fan") Refers to a moment of crisis or when chaos erupts.
Number one fan: Someone's most devoted admirer or supporter.
Fan mail: Letters or messages sent by admirers to a celebrity, public figure, etc.
Fan theory: A speculative explanation or analysis of a plot, character, or event in a fictional work, created by fans.
Fan fiction: Fiction written by a fan of, and featuring characters from, a particular book, film, television series, etc.
Fan favorite: A character, item, or person that is particularly popular among fans.
Fan base: The collective group of admirers or supporters of a person, group, or work.
Cool one's jets / fan oneself: To calm down or relax. (Using the verb form of "fan")
Stir the pot: To cause trouble or excitement (a similar effect to "fan the flames").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of fan from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
