B2 Spanish vocabulary
Upper-intermediate Spanish — abstract ideas, debate, narrative, and nuanced vocabulary for fluent discussion. All 1,116 words below include an English meaning and link to a full entry with examples and usage notes.
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All B2 words
- llevar (portar)verbto carry, to transport
- temanounsubject, topic — a matter or theme being discussed
- usonounusage, use — the action of using something; habitual practice
- estadonounstatus, condition
- zonanounzone, area — a distinct region or area
- cantidadnounquantity, amount — a measurable amount of something
- basenounbasis, foundation
- lugarnounsite, location — a place where something is located; also a website
- objetivonountarget, goal — a result or objective one is aiming to achieve
- acompañarverbto accompany, to go with someone
- acuerdonounagreement, arrangement
- procesonounprocess, procedure — a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a result
- enormeadjectiveenormous, vast
- capacidadnouncapacity, capability
- estrategianounstrategy — a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term aim
- desarrollonoundevelopment
- recursonounresource, means
- estructuranounstructure, framework — the arrangement of parts that form a whole
- fuentenounsource — the origin or starting point of something; also a reference or citation
- libertadnounfreedom, liberty
- recordar (que)verbto remember
- recursosnounresources, assets
- violencianounviolence — behaviour involving physical force causing harm; intense force
- declaracionnounstatement, declaration — a formal announcement or account
- públiconounaudience, public
- climanounclimate — the meteorological conditions of a region; and figuratively the prevailing mood or social conditions
- costenouncost, toll — the amount of money or suffering required or caused
- cumplirverbto fulfil, to comply with
- tasanounrate, ratio — a measure of how often something occurs; also a levy or fee
- campañanouncampaign, drive
- el equiponounteam
- tendencianountendency — an inclination towards a particular characteristic or behaviour
- victimanounvictim — a person harmed or killed by another or by an event
- el proyectonounproject
- establecerverbto establish, to lay down
- justicianounjustice — the principle of fair treatment and equitable distribution; also the legal system
- tensionnounstrain, tension — a state of mental stress; also conflict or friction between parties
- administraciónnounadministration — the bodies that manage public services and government functions; also the act of managing an organisation
- el clientenounclient, customer
- sentimientonounsentiment, feeling — an emotion or opinion based on feeling rather than reason
- amenazanounthreat — a person or thing likely to cause harm; a statement of intent to harm
- autoridadnounauthority — the abstract concept of legitimate power; or the bodies and persons who exercise it
- encontrarse converbto encounter, to run into
- la reuniónnounmeeting
- mantenerverbto maintain, to uphold
- mostrarverbto show, to reveal
- unidadnoununity — the state of being united or joined; cohesion
- accesonounaccess, right of entry
- dirigirverbto conduct, to lead
- tecnicanountechnique — a way of carrying out a particular task or skill
- comportamientonounbehaviour, conduct
- exponerverbto exhibit, to put on display
- juicionounjudgement, assessment — an opinion or conclusion reached through reasoning; also a trial
- presentar (un proyecto)verbto present a project or proposal
- reaccionnounreaction, response — an action performed in response to something; also a chemical process
- característicanounfeature, characteristic
- riquezanounwealth, riches — an abundance of valuable resources or material possessions
- superficienounsurface, area — the outside part of an object; also the total area of a space
- territorionounterritory — an area under the jurisdiction of a ruler; also a sphere of action
- vehiculonounvehicle — a thing used as a medium to convey; also a motorised transport
- alcancenounscope, reach — the extent of the area or subject covered by something
- crisisnouncrisis — a critical turning point or period of acute difficulty
- límitenounlimit, boundary
- transicionnountransition — the process of changing from one state to another
- habilidadnounskill, ability — a learned or natural capacity to do something well
- progresonounprogress — forward movement or improvement towards a better state; normatively positive unlike desarrollo
- alternativanounalternative, option — another possibility or course of action; often with rhetorical force in policy debate
- convertirverbto convert, to turn into
- encuestanounsurvey, poll — a set of questions to gather opinions from a group
- estabilidadnounstability, equilibrium
- partirverbto depart, to set off
- responsabilidadnounresponsibility, accountability — the obligation to act in a certain way or to answer for the consequences of one's actions
- aprovecharverbto take advantage of, to make use of
- argumentonounargument, line of reasoning — a reason or piece of evidence used to support or oppose a position
- indicarverbto indicate, to show
- recordar (algo a alguien)verbto remind someone
- surgirverbto arise, to come up
- ejercerverbto exert, to exercise
- el contratonouncontract
- enfrentarseverbto confront, to face
- marcanounbrand, trademark
- posturanounstance, position — a way of thinking about or approaching something
- principaladjectiveprime, principal — most important; first in rank or significance
- asumirverbto take on, to assume
- centrarseverbto focus on, to centre on
- cerrar (un acuerdo)verbto close a deal, to finalise an agreement
- sesionnounsession — a period of time devoted to a particular activity
- abusonounabuse, misuse
- acordarse (de)verbto remember, to recall
- asistirverbto assist someone
- aspectonounaspect, facet
- cumplir (un plazo)verbto meet a deadline
- demostrarverbto demonstrate, to prove
- eliminarverbto eliminate, to remove
- especienounspecies — a group of living organisms sharing common characteristics
- identidadnounidentity
- simbolonounsymbol — a mark or character used to represent something abstract
- adquirirverbto acquire, to obtain
- barreranounbarrier, obstacle
- contribuirverbto contribute to
- el informenounreport
- facilitarverbto facilitate, to make easier
- observarverbto observe, to remark in writing
- agencianounagency — an organisation acting on behalf of others or providing a specialised service
- analizarverbto analyse, to examine
- contextonouncontext, circumstances
- describirverbto describe, to depict
- el plazonoundeadline, time limit
- en aquel momentoadverbat that moment, at that point in time
- limitarverbto limit, to restrict
- motivonounmotive, reason — the reason behind an action or decision; also a recurring theme in art
- particularadjectiveparticular — relating to an individual case; specific rather than general
- sombranounshadow, shade — dark area produced by blocking light; also a metaphorical cloud or doubt
- variacionnounvariation, fluctuation — a change or difference in level or value
- voluntarionounvoluntary, optional
- atraerverbto attract, to draw in
- candidatonouncandidate
- convencerverbto convince, to persuade
- triunfonountriumph, victory — a great success or achievement
- adoptarverbto adopt, to take on
- alcoholnounalcohol — the chemical substance ethanol; alcoholic drink in general; a topic of public-health policy
- calcularverbto calculate, to estimate
- democracianoundemocracy — a system of government based on popular sovereignty and the rule of law
- distinguirverbto distinguish, to differentiate
- referirse averbto refer to, to mean
- reputacionnounreputation — the opinions held about someone or something by the public
- transformarverbto transform — to change something fundamentally in nature or structure; more radical than cambiar
- bordenounverge, edge — the edge or margin of something; on the verge of
- categoríanouncategory, class
- circunstancianouncircumstance, condition
- ejecutivonounexecutive —
- el presupuestonounbudget
- perseguirverbto chase, to pursue
- plantearverbto pose, to raise
- verguenzanounshame, embarrassment — the feeling of distress caused by wrong or foolish behaviour
- convocarverbto call, to convene
- actitudnounattitude, disposition
- adaptarseverbto adapt to, to adjust to
- aventuranounadventure, venture — an exciting or risky enterprise; also a short romantic affair in colloquial use
- conceptonounconcept — an organised abstract idea or general notion within a theoretical framework
- conciencianounawareness, conscience
- disponerverbto have available, to have at one's disposal
- menoradjectiveminor, of little importance
- sostener (que)verbto assert, to maintain
- sustancianounsubstance — a particular kind of matter with uniform properties; also essential quality
- apoyarverbto support, to back
- audiencianounaudience —
- constituirverbto constitute, to represent
- privilegionounprivilege — an unearned advantage or benefit enjoyed by a person or group due to social position or circumstances
- conversaciónnounconversation — an informal to diplomatic exchange of speech between people; in plural, diplomatic talks
- disminuirverbto diminish, to reduce
- retonounchallenge — a difficult task or goal to be faced and overcome; often aspirational in tone
- tristezanounsorrow, sadness — deep distress or grief
- atmósferanounatmosphere, mood
- cumbrenounsummit — a meeting between heads of government; also a mountain peak
- empresarionounentrepreneur, employer
- intervenirverbto intervene, to take the floor
- valorar (a un colaborador)verbto appraise, to evaluate
- acentonounaccent — a regional or foreign way of pronouncing a language, revealing origin; also written accent mark and stress pattern
- ajustarverbto adjust, to fine-tune
- bienestarnounwellbeing, welfare
- conflictonounconflict, clash
- dedicarverbto dedicate, to devote
- desafíonounchallenge — a major difficulty or problem that demands a response; often at greater scale than reto
- destacarverbto highlight, to point out
- dudar (en + inf)verbto hesitate to do something
- esquemanounscheme, outline — a simplified or diagrammatic representation of a plan or system
- fundamentaladjectivefundamental — forming a necessary base; of central importance
- garantizarverbto guarantee, to ensure
- gestionarverbto manage, to handle
- pistanounhint, clue — a piece of indirect evidence or suggestion that helps solve a problem; also a track or runway
- referir (un episodio)verbto relate, to recount
- traumanountrauma — a deeply distressing experience; the lasting psychological effects thereof
- utilidadnounutility, usefulness — the state of being useful or profitable
- aclararverbto clarify, to make clear
- célulanouncell — the biological unit of life; also a small organisational or covert unit
- combinarverbto combine, to blend
- extenderverbto extend, to spread
- rivalnounrival, competitor — a person or entity competing with another for the same objective
- alarmanounalarm — state of collective concern or fear; also an alarm device or signal
- bloquenounbloc, block —
- defender (una propuesta)verbto defend a proposal
- determinarverbto determine, to establish
- entretenerverbto entertain, to keep occupied
- secuencianounsequence — a set of related things arranged in order
- sostenibilidadnounsustainability — the capacity of a system or model to be maintained over the long term without depleting resources or causing irreversible harm
- testimonionountestimony — a formal statement, especially given in a court of law; an account
- consultarverbto consult, to check with someone before acting
- consistir enverbto consist of, to involve
- detenciónnounarrest, detention — the act of holding a person under authority; a period of custody
- fomentarverbto foster, to promote
- preciso/aadjectiveprecise — exact and accurate; sharply defined
- remedionounremedy, solution — a cure or way of correcting something
- tacticanountactic — an action or strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific goal
- virtudnounvirtue — a quality or behaviour showing high moral standards
- ambiciónnounambition, drive
- ampliarverbto expand, to broaden
- congresonouncongress —
- desigualdadnouninequality, disparity
- educarverbto educate, to raise awareness
- filanounrow, queue
- maderanountimber, wood — wood as a building material; the trees yielding such wood
- negociarverbto negotiate
- negociar (condiciones)verbto negotiate terms, to negotiate a contract
- nombrarverbto appoint, to name to a role
- próximoadjectivenext, forthcoming — immediately following in time or order
- apuestanounstake, bet — a thing at risk; also a strategic commitment
- empatianounempathy, sympathy — the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- químicanounchemistry — the science of matter and its reactions; and figuratively the interpersonal rapport or attraction between people
- refugionounrefuge, shelter — protection or safety from danger; a place providing emergency accommodation
- sabidurianounwisdom — the quality of having experience and good judgement
- razonableadjectivereasonable, fair
- bloqueonounblockade, obstruction
- citar (una fuente / a alguien)verbto cite, to quote
- competirverbto compete
- dignidadnoundignity — the inherent worth and right to respectful treatment owed to every person
- engañarverbto deceive, to mislead
- genionountemper, temperament
- implicarseverbto get involved, to engage actively
- rangonounrange, span — the extent between upper and lower limits
- redactarverbto draft, to write up
- soportarverbto bear, to endure
- veredictonounverdict — the decision made by a jury or judge; also a general judgement
- vicionounvice — immoral or wicked behaviour; a weakness of character
- concluirverbto conclude, to draw a conclusion
- esferanounsphere, domain
- supervisarverbto supervise, to oversee
- tribunountribe — a social division united by common culture; loosely a group with shared interests
- venganzanounrevenge, vengeance — the action of hurting someone in return for hurt done to you
- delicado/aadjectivedelicate, sensitive
- alientonounbreath
- espectronounspectrum — a wide range of related ideas or things; also light spectrum
- merecerverbto deserve, to merit
- navegar (por internet)verbto browse the internet
- revelarverbto reveal, to show
- topiconountopic, cliché — a theme; also an overused or trite saying
- ángulonounangle, perspective — a point of view or critical framing of an issue; also a geometric angle
- asignarverbto assign, to allocate
- creencianounbelief, conviction — a deeply held view or principle accepted as true; deeper than opinion
- extraerverbto extract, to draw out
- tributonountribute — an act or gift showing respect and admiration; historically a payment exacted by a ruler
- admirarverbto admire
- al cabo deadverbafter
- bombanounpump — a mechanical device for moving liquid or gas
- debatirverbto debate, to discuss formally
- delitonounoffence, crime — an act that breaks the law and is punishable
- emitirverbto issue, to emit
- fichanounrecord, card
- remitirverbto send, to forward formally
- subsidionounsubsidy, benefit
- vulnerableadjectivevulnerable
- carbononouncarbon — the chemical element C; in B2 the centrepiece of climate and environmental discourse
- fundarverbto found, to establish
- quedar pendienteverbto remain outstanding, to be left pending
- stocknounstock, inventory — a supply of goods available for use or sale
- travesianounvoyage, crossing — a long journey by sea or through difficult terrain; a significant undertaking
- apetitonounappetite, eagerness
- arreglonounarrangement, settlement
- asociarverbto associate, to link mentally
- corrientenouncurrent, draught
- deducirverbto deduce, to infer
- dividirverbto divide, to split
- esencialadjectiveessential — absolutely necessary, indispensable
- evocarverbto evoke, to call to mind
- explorarverbto explore, to examine
- extenderseverbto spread, to expand — to gradually reach a wider area or more people
- persuadirverbto persuade
- tomar medidasverbto take measures, to take action
- civilizaciónnouncivilisation, society
- confundirverbto confuse, to mix up
- abordarverbto tackle, to address
- atribuirverbto attribute, to ascribe
- conyugenounspouse — a married or legally partnered person
- criterionouncriterion — a principle or standard against which something is judged or decided
- delegarverbto delegate
- discriminaciónnoundiscrimination — the unjust treatment of a person or group based on a characteristic
- estallarverbto burst, to erupt
- excluirverbto exclude, to shut out
- por lo generaladverbgenerally, as a rule
- positivoadjectivepositive, favourable
- prejuicionounprejudice — a preconceived negative judgement about a person or group formed without adequate evidence
- racionaladjectiverational, reasoned
- concienciaciónnounawareness-raising
- continentenouncontinent — one of the major landmasses of the Earth
- dimensiónnoundimension — a distinguishable aspect or facet of something complex
- distribuirverbto distribute, to hand out
- doblarverbto bend, to fold
- formaladjectiveformal — following established conventions; suitable for official or serious occasions
- frágiladjectivefragile — inherently weak and liable to break or collapse under pressure; precarious
- prestar atenciónverbto pay attention
- válidoadjectivevalid, sound
- componerverbto compose
- concertarverbto arrange, to set up
- declinarverbto decline, to politely turn down
- alterarverbto alter, to disrupt
- chipnounchip, microchip
- ciclonouncycle — a recurring sequence of events or a defined period
- contrastenouncontrast — a noticeable difference when comparing two or more things
- el actanounminutes, official record
- explotarverbto explode, to blow up
- fincanounestate, rural property
- integridadnounintegrity
- oponerseverbto object, to oppose
- reembolsonounrefund, reimbursement — money paid back to a customer or employee
- validarverbto validate, to verify compliance
- sensato/aadjectivesensible, judicious
- combinaciónnouncombination — the joining or merging of two or more elements to produce a new or enhanced whole
- criarverbto breed, to raise
- cubonounbin, bucket — a container for waste or rubbish
- dar a entenderverbto imply, to hint
- enfoquenounperspective, approach
- financieroadjectivefinancial
- hacer frente averbto face up to, to tackle
- legadonounlegacy, heritage
- profundidadnoundepth — physical measurement downward; metaphorically, thoroughness of analysis
- retrasarverbto delay, to set back
- basarse enverbto be based on, to rely on
- capturarverbto capture
- consensonounconsensus
- curiosidadnouncuriosity — a strong desire to know or learn
- dar lugar averbto give rise to, to lead to
- derivarverbto derive from, to stem from
- desastrenoundisaster
- diplomático/aadjectivediplomatic, tactful
- evolucionarverbto evolve, to develop gradually
- inmediatoadjectiveimmediate — occurring at once, without delay; also: nearest in time or space
- omitirverbto omit, to leave out
- el orden del díanounagenda, order of the day
- arrestonounarrest, detention — the act of apprehending someone by legal authority
- contemplarverbto gaze at, to contemplate
- desplazarseverbto be displaced, to relocate
- en el fondoadverbdeep down, fundamentally
- exagerarverbto exaggerate, to overstate
- lealtadnounloyalty, fidelity
- núcleonouncore/nucleus — the central, most essential element of something
- priorizarverbto prioritise, to rank
- relatarverbto recount, to relate
- soplarverbto blow
- cooperarverbto cooperate
- a pesar de que + subjuntivoparticleeven if, although
- componentenouncomponent — a distinguishable element forming part of a larger complex whole
- déficitnoundeficit, shortfall
- equidadnounequity — proportional fairness that accounts for individual need, contrasted with strict equality
- incumplirverbto breach, to fail to meet
- insinuarverbto imply, to hint
- instar (a)verbto urge, to press someone
- oficialadjectiveofficial — relating to an authority or public body; formally sanctioned
- poner de manifiestoverbto reveal, to make apparent
- narrarverbto narrate, to tell a story
- coberturanouncoverage —
- correr el riesgo deverbto run the risk of
- fascinarverbto fascinate, to captivate
- globaladjectiveoverall, global — taken as a whole; comprehensive in scope
- regatearverbto haggle, to bargain
- sin lugar a dudasadverbwithout doubt, undoubtedly
- aparenteadjectiveapparent, seeming
- apelaciónnounappeal, legal challenge
- cobrar importanciaverbto gain importance, to become increasingly significant
- comiténouncommittee — a group of people appointed to manage or investigate a specific matter
- depósitonoundeposit/reserve —
- desmentirverbto disprove, to contradict
- detectarverbto detect, to identify
- equilibrarverbto balance, to equalise
- evidenteadjectiveevident — clearly apparent, obvious to observe
- hacer constarverbto state for the record, to make it known formally
- polvonoundust — fine dry particles; metaphorically oblivion or ruin
- potenciarverbto enhance, to boost
- propagarseverbto propagate, to spread
- prorrogarverbto extend, to renew for a further period
- compensarverbto offset, to outweigh
- tener repercusionesverbto have repercussions, to have knock-on effects
- acusadonoundefendant/the accused — the person formally charged with a crime in a judicial proceeding
- consolarverbto comfort, to console
- cultivarverbto cultivate, to nurture
- discrepar respetuosamenteverbto respectfully disagree
- escalarverbto escalate, to mount
- estar al tantoverbto be aware, to stay informed
- idealadjectiveideal — perfectly suited; best possible for a purpose
- pertenencianounbelonging, sense of membership
- polémicoadjectivecontroversial, contentious
- trastornonoundisorder — a functional disruption, especially psychological or neurological
- afrontar las consecuenciasverbto face the consequences, to deal with the aftermath
- condenanouncondemnation/sentence —
- conservaciónnounconservation, protection
- contrastarverbto contrast, to juxtapose
- dar pie averbto give grounds for, to provide a basis for
- dar el visto buenoverbto sign off on, to give approval
- derrotarverbto defeat, to beat
- dotarverbto equip with, to endow with
- entrar en vigorverbto come into force, to take effect in a legal sense
- inicialadjectiveinitial — at the beginning; first in order or time
- presumirverbto boast, to show off
- traiciónnounbetrayal, treachery
- consolidarseverbto consolidate, to become firmly established — to gradually achieve stability and permanence
- distraerverbto distract, to divert attention from
- extraordinarioadjectiveextraordinary — very unusual or remarkable, beyond the ordinary
- no hay que olvidar queparticleit should not be forgotten that, bear in mind that
- oficionouncraft/trade — a skilled manual or practical profession requiring apprenticeship and practice
- pasar por altoverbto overlook, to skip over
- prosperarverbto flourish, to thrive
- tender averbto tend to
- aliviarverbto alleviate, to relieve
- angustianoundistress, anguish
- comedido/aadjectiverestrained, measured
- descartarverbto rule out, to dismiss
- ejercer presiónverbto exert pressure, to lobby
- externalizarverbto outsource
- legaladjectivelegal — permitted by law; relating to the law
- puntualizarverbto clarify, to specify precisely
- avergonzarverbto embarrass, to shame
- convenciónnounconvention —
- dar por sentadoverbto take for granted, to assume as given
- derrumbarseverbto crash, to collapse
- donarverbto donate, to give
- estigmanounstigma
- frecuenteadjectivefrequent — occurring often; happening at short intervals
- oponerverbto counter, to oppose
- previoadjectiveprevious, prior — existing or occurring before; earlier
- provocar polémicaverbto spark controversy, to generate serious debate
- causar revueloverbto cause a stir, to create a buzz
- controvertidoadjectivecontroversial, contested — giving rise to debate and strong disagreement; more formal register than polémico
- criaturanouncreature — any living being, especially non-human; metaphorically any created or dependent being
- dar feedbackverbto give feedback
- disolververbto dissolve, to disband
- en la medida en queparticleinsofar as, to the extent that — causal-conditional; indicative
- extinguirverbto extinguish, to die out
- internoadjectiveinternal — existing or situated within; inside
- ir al granoverbto get to the point, to cut to the chase
- respaldarverbto back, to endorse
- agendarverbto schedule, to put in the diary
- cobrar fuerzaverbto gain momentum, to gather strength
- coincidencianouncoincidence — two or more events occurring together by chance, without causal connection
- hacer hincapié enverbto emphasise, to stress
- marginaciónnounmarginalisation, social exclusion — the process by which individuals or groups are pushed to the margins of society and denied full participation
- matizarverbto qualify, to nuance
- verterverbto dump, to discharge
- seleccionarverbto select, to choose
- aceptar a regañadientesverbto accept reluctantly, grudgingly
- acreditarverbto certify, to accredit
- cambianteadjectivechanging, shifting — constantly in flux or transformation
- dar la caraverbto face up to something, to accept responsibility
- desventajanoundisadvantage — a condition that makes success or equality harder to achieve
- falsoadjectivefalse — not true; deceptive, counterfeit
- posibilitarverbto enable, to make possible
- siempre y cuando + subjuntivoparticleas long as, provided that — restrictive conditional; always subjunctive; no indicative option
- surtir efectoverbto take effect, to produce results
- retrocesonounsetback, regression
- ahogarverbto stifle, to suppress
- ahogarseverbto drown, to die by immersion
- costar un ojo de la caraverbto cost an arm and a leg, to cost a fortune
- intensoadjectiveintense, extreme
- sustentarseverbto be sustained, to be underpinned
- hacer caso omisoverbto disregard, to completely ignore
- agravarseverbto worsen, to deteriorate — to become more serious or severe
- continuoadjectiveongoing, continuous — happening or continuing without interruption
- conversiónnounconversion, transformation
- defender una posturaverbto defend a position
- fluctuarverbto fluctuate, to vary irregularly
- por mucho que + subjuntivoparticlehowever much, no matter how much — always subjunctive; intensified concession maintaining position under pressure
- privarverbto deprive of, to strip of
- rememorarverbto recall, to reminisce about
- tener pinta deverbto look like, to seem
- compuestonouncompound — a substance formed from two or more elements chemically bonded together
- contrarrestarverbto counter, to neutralise
- estancamientonounstagnation
- externoadjectiveexternal — coming from or situated outside
- irrumpirverbto burst in, to break onto the scene
- objeciónnounobjection, counter-argument
- pesar más queverbto outweigh
- pujarverbto bid
- resonarverbto resonate, to reverberate
- tomar el peloverbto pull someone's leg, to wind up
- dejar mucho que desearverbto leave much to be desired, to be far from satisfactory
- decoraciónnoundecoration — the process or elements of making a space more attractive; metaphorically something merely cosmetic
- derivar (hacia)verbto drift, to move gradually in an unintended direction
- huella ecológicanounecological footprint
- moraladjectivemoral — relating to principles of right and wrong behaviour
- sea como seaparticlebe that as it may, however it turns out — fixed concessive formula; all variants use present subjunctive of ser
- suponer un retoverbto pose a challenge, to represent a challenge
- tirar la toallaverbto throw in the towel, to give up
- dar la tallaverbto measure up, to come up to scratch
- aplastarverbto crush, to suppress
- dar en el clavoverbto hit the nail on the head, to identify the issue precisely
- desvanecerseverbto fade, to dissolve
- mitigarverbto mitigate
- permanenteadjectivepermanent — lasting or intended to last indefinitely
- sobrepasar los límitesverbto overstep the mark, to go beyond acceptable limits
- dejar en el aireverbto leave unresolved, to leave up in the air
- doblar (una película)verbto dub
- enmarcarverbto frame, to contextualise
- hojearverbto browse, to leaf through
- obligatorioadjectivemandatory, compulsory — required by rule or law; not optional
- resilienteadjectiveresilient
- andarse por las ramasverbto beat around the bush, to waffle
- conviene señalar queparticleit is worth pointing out that, it should be noted that
- desplegarverbto deploy, to mobilise
- inmensoadjectiveimmense — extremely large; vast in extent or degree
- plegarseverbto yield to, to give in to
- potencialadjectivepotential — having the capacity to develop into something in the future
- valorar pros y contrasverbto weigh up the pros and cons
- volátiladjectivevolatile
- diferirverbto differ, to diverge
- incidirverbto bear on, to affect
- notableadjectivenotable — worthy of attention or notice; significant
- salirse con la suyaverbto get away with it, to get one's own way against opposition
- sesgonounbias, slant
- sacar en claroverbto extract meaning, to conclude
- cabe recordar queparticleit is worth noting that, it should be recalled that
- devastarverbto devastate, to lay waste to
- empoderarverbto empower
- fieladjectivefaithful — loyally devoted; also: accurate and true to an original
- hacer la vista gordaverbto turn a blind eye, to look the other way
- polarizadoadjectivepolarised — divided into extreme opposing camps with little middle ground
- prácticoadjectivepractical — concerned with actual use rather than theory; effective in practice
- agudizarseverbto intensify, to sharpen
- cepillarverbto brush, to smooth
- estar al loroverbto be switched on, to be clued up
- perturbarverbto disturb, to disrupt
- repercutirverbto have an impact on, to affect
- inevitableadjectiveinevitable — certain to happen and unable to be prevented
- quitar hierro averbto play down, to downplay
- corriente dominantenounmainstream, dominant current
- derivarse deverbto follow from, to stem from
- estar en bogaverbto be in vogue, to be fashionable
- estrellarseverbto crash, to smash into
- liberaladjectiveliberal — open to new ideas; favouring individual freedom and limited state intervention
- caer en saco rotoverbto fall on deaf ears, to go unheeded
- digerirverbto digest
- flexibleadjectiveflexible — capable of adapting to changed circumstances; also: easily bent
- obvioadjectiveobvious — easily perceived or understood; clearly apparent
- presupuestarverbto budget, to cost out
- refutarverbto refute, to rebut
- decaerverbto decline, to deteriorate
- meter en cinturaverbto bring into line, to discipline
- aguantar el tipoverbto keep one's composure, to hold it together
- consagrarseverbto devote oneself, to dedicate oneself entirely
- entrañarverbto entail, to involve
- humildeadjectivehumble — having a modest estimate of one's own importance; of low status
- maduroadjectivemature — fully developed; showing wisdom born of experience
- paliarverbto palliate, to ease — to relieve the symptoms or suffering caused by something without addressing root causes
- poner los puntos sobre las íesverbto spell things out clearly, to leave no room for ambiguity
- sopesarverbto weigh up
- numerosoadjectivenumerous — large in number; many
- severoadjectiveharsh, severe — stern and demanding; also: extreme in degree
- trastornarverbto disrupt, to throw into disorder
- descomponerseverbto decompose, to rot
- masivoadjectivemassive — very large in scale or degree; involving large numbers
- replantearverbto reframe, to reconsider
- acarrearverbto bring about, to cause
- arraigadoadjectivedeep-rooted, ingrained — embedded through long growth or tradition; can be neutral or negative
- deleitenoundelight, refined pleasure
- gradualadjectivegradual — taking place in stages over time; not sudden
- leveadjectivemild, slight — small in degree; not severe or serious
- ingresosnounincome, earnings
- desalentarverbto discourage, to demoralise
- facilidadnounease, natural aptitude
- inocenteadjectiveinnocent — not guilty of a crime; also: lacking malicious intent
- neutraladjectiveneutral — not supporting or assisting either side; impartial
- economíanouneconomy
- editornouneditor, publisher
- entusiastaadjectivekeen, enthusiastic — showing eager interest or enthusiasm
- nuclearadjectivenuclear — relating to the nucleus of an atom; also: relating to nuclear weapons or energy
- elementonounelement, factor
- embajadanounembassy — the official representative office of a foreign government in another country
- ferozadjectivefierce, ferocious — violently aggressive; also: extremely intense
- meroadjectivemere — nothing more than what is specified; used to minimise
- demolerverbto demolish, to knock down
- énfasisnounemphasis, stress — the special importance given to something in speech or writing
- enquistadoadjectiveentrenched — deeply embedded and impervious to change; like a cyst that cannot be removed without surgery
- intermedioadjectiveintermediate — at a middle level between two extremes
- empleadornounemployer — the person or organisation that hires and pays workers
- entusiasmonounenthusiasm, eagerness — strong interest in and positive feeling about something
- íntimoadjectiveintimate — closely personal; private; involving close relationships
- optimistaadjectiveoptimistic — expecting good outcomes; hopeful about the future
- emprendedornounentrepreneur — a person who sets up and runs a business or undertakes new initiatives
- desagradableadjectiveunpleasant, nasty — causing discomfort or displeasure
- generosoadjectivegenerous — giving more than expected; open-handed with resources or time
- sobrenounenvelope — the paper container for a letter or document
- cuajarverbto take hold, to materialise
- igualdadnounequality
- invisibleadjectiveinvisible — unable to be seen; not visible
- primarioadjectiveprimary — first in order of importance; principal
- ecuaciónnounequation
- equivalenteadjectiveequivalent, equal in value
- eranounera, age — a long and distinct historical or cultural period
- manualadjectivemanual — done or operated with the hands; not automated
- oraladjectiveoral — relating to speech; spoken rather than written
- patrimonionounheritage, assets
- evoluciónnounevolution, development
- hostiladjectivehostile — unfriendly; actively opposed or aggressive
- pasivoadjectivepassive — accepting without resistance; not active or assertive
- intercambionounexchange, transfer
- afortunadoadjectivefortunate, lucky — having good fortune; favoured by circumstances
- directivonounexecutive, senior manager — a member of the management team of an organisation
- nobleadjectivenoble — having high moral qualities; admirable and honourable
- exilionounexile — forced or voluntary long-term absence from one's homeland, especially for political reasons
- agradecidoadjectivegrateful — feeling or showing gratitude for something received
- gastonounexpenditure, spending
- mutuoadjectivemutual — experienced or expressed by each towards the other; shared
- extensiónnounextension, prolongation
- indiferenteadjectiveindifferent — showing no interest or concern; neither for nor against
- instalaciónnounfacility, installation
- nativoadjectivenative — born in or associated with a particular place; indigenous
- actualadjectivecurrent, present — existing or happening now
- facciónnounfaction — a group within a larger organisation that has its own distinct views or interests, often in conflict with others
- factornounfactor
- genuinoadjectivegenuine — truly what it is claimed to be; authentic, sincere
- lealadjectiveloyal — giving or showing firm and constant support to a person or institution
- capazadjectivecapable — having the skill or power to do something
- famanounfame, reputation
- breveadjectivebrief, short — of short duration or length
- desnudoadjectivenaked, bare — without covering; also fig. stark and unembellished
- interminableadjectiveendless, without end — lasting far too long
- paraleloadjectiveparallel — running side by side without converging; also fig. occurring simultaneously
- amplioadjectivebroad, ample
- rasgonountrait, feature
- complejoadjectivecomplex — made up of many interacting parts; intrinsically multifaceted and difficult to reduce
- explícitoadjectiveexplicit — stated clearly and in detail, leaving nothing implied
- marinoadjectivemarine — relating to the sea or ocean
- tarifanounfee, tariff
- retroalimentaciónnounfeedback — information about results or performance provided to enable improvement
- adecuadoadjectiveadequate, suitable — functionally sufficient or appropriate for a purpose
- éticoadjectiveethical — relating to moral principles; conforming to accepted standards of conduct
- complicadoadjectivecomplicated — tangled, difficult due to obstacles or confusion; more processual than inherently complex
- vallanounfence, barrier
- concretoadjectiveconcrete, specific
- fibranounfibre — thread-like material; dietary fibre; fibre optic internet
- húmedoadjectivehumid, damp — containing a high amount of moisture in the air or surface
- orgánicoadjectiveorganic — relating to or produced without synthetic chemicals; also: of living organisms
- ficciónnounfiction — imaginative or invented narrative; something false presented as real
- absolutoadjectiveabsolute — categorical, without exception or qualification; also: utter/total in intensifying use
- finanzasnounfinance, finances — the management of money and financial affairs; the financial sector
- sombríoadjectivegloomy — dark; also fig. pessimistic or depressing in outlook
- constanteadjectiveconstant — persistently recurring or uninterrupted
- forma físicanounphysical fitness — the condition of being physically fit and healthy
- considerableadjectiveconsiderable, significant
- irónicoadjectiveironic — meaning the opposite of the literal; using irony
- llamanounflame — the visible gaseous part of a fire; figuratively, the flame of passion or conflict
- defectonounflaw, defect
- fluidonounsmooth, fluid — flowing without interruption or difficulty; in figurative use: natural and effortless
- medioambientaladjectiveenvironmental — relating to the natural environment
- anualadjectiveannual, yearly — occurring once a year or covering a period of one year
- previsiónnounforecast, projection
- apropiadoadjectiveappropriate — socially or contextually correct and fitting
- factibleadjectivefeasible — capable of being done; achievable within given constraints
- formatonounformat
- obsoletoadjectiveoutdated, obsolete — no longer in use or valid; superseded
- debidoadjectivedue — used in debido a
- fórmulanounformula
- civiladjectivecivil, civic
- finitoadjectivefinite — having defined limits; not infinite
- fortunanounfortune — a large sum of money
- conscienteadjectiveconscious, aware — knowing or mindful of something
- fragmentonounfragment, extract
- crucialadjectivecrucial — of decisive importance; pivotal
- íntegroadjectiveupright, honest
- marconounframework, context
- contemporáneoadjectivecontemporary — of the present era; also: existing at the same time as another
- fricciónnounfriction
- diversoadjectivediverse — varied, of different types; plural form 'diversos' = various/several
- extintoadjectiveextinct — no longer in existence; having died out
- margennounmargin, fringe
- domésticoadjectivedomestic — relating to the home/household or to the national/internal sphere
- funeralnounfuneral — the ceremony held after someone's death
- eficienteadjectiveefficient — achieving results with minimal waste of resources; optimal input-output ratio
- engranajenoungear, mechanism
- fértiladjectivefertile — capable of producing abundantly; also fig. fruitful
- críticoadjectivecritical — analytical and evaluative; also: at a decisive/dangerous stage
- conservadoradjectiveconservative — resistant to change
- tenueadjectivefaint, tenuous — weak in intensity; barely perceptible
- dominanteadjectivedominant — prevailing, exerting the most influence or control
- huecoadjectivehollow — having an empty space inside; also fig. lacking real substance
- vivoadjectivealive — in a state of being alive; also: still active/surviving
- biológicoadjectivebiological
- definitivoadjectivedefinitive, final — conclusive and not subject to further change
- sueltoadjectiveloose — not firmly fixed; also fig. lacking rigour or coherence
- agresivoadjectiveaggressive — forceful or hostile in behaviour; also: boldly competitive in strategy
- dramáticoadjectivedramatic — striking in scale or impact; also colloquially: overreacting
- ansiosoadjectiveanxious — in a state of nervous worry or anticipation
- académicoadjectiveacademic
- despiertoadjectiveawake — not sleeping; in a state of wakefulness
- duraderoadjectivedurable, lasting — designed or expected to endure over time
- corruptoadjectivecorrupt — morally compromised through bribery or abuse of power
- desesperadoadjectivedesperate — in a state of extreme hopelessness or acting from extreme urgency
- discapacitadoadjectivedisabled — having a physical or mental impairment; preferred official form: persona con discapacidad
- densoadjectivedense — thick or concentrated
- elaboradoadjectiveelaborate, detailed — carefully and thoroughly constructed; also as past participle: produced/prepared
- dudosoadjectivedoubtful — uncertain in outcome; also: questionable in quality or morality
- corporativoadjectivecorporate — relating to a corporation or large organisation
- crudoadjectivestark, raw
- eléctricoadjectiveelectric, electrical — using or relating to electricity
- elásticoadjectiveelastic — able to stretch and return; figuratively: flexible/responsive
- profundoadjectiveprofound, deep
- prominenteadjectiveprominent, notable
- derramarverbto shed, to spill
- gennoungene — a unit of hereditary information encoded in DNA
- radicaladjectiveradical — involving fundamental change or going to the root of something; can describe political positions or transformational change
- realistaadjectiverealistic — based on practical considerations rather than wishful thinking; grounded in what is achievable
- regionaladjectiveregional — relating to or characteristic of a particular region or territory
- desplazarverbto shift, to displace
- gestonoungesture — a body movement conveying meaning; also a kind or symbolic act
- regularadjectiveregular — occurring at fixed intervals or following a consistent pattern
- relativoadjectiverelative — qualified or considered in relation to something else; not absolute
- relevanteadjectiverelevant — closely connected to the matter at hand; significant and applicable
- fiableadjectivereliable — consistently trustworthy or dependable; giving accurate or valid results
- reticenteadjectivereluctant — unwilling or hesitant to do something; feeling resistance
- encogerverbto shrink, to contract
- gracianoungrace, charm — natural elegance or charm; also divine grace and humour
- remotoadjectiveremote — far away in distance or unlikely in degree; also: remote working
- reconocidoadjectiverenowned, recognised — widely acknowledged and respected for quality or achievement
- ridículoadjectiveridiculous — deserving or inspiring ridicule; absurd or unreasonable
- rígidoadjectiverigid — not flexible; unwilling or unable to adapt
- robustoadjectiverobust — strong and sturdy; resistant to failure or challenge; in figurative use: well-designed and reliable
- emergerverbto emerge, to come forth
- rugosoadjectiverough, rough-textured — having an irregular or uneven surface
- suspirarverbto sigh
- tumbanoungrave, tomb — a burial place; the physical structure marking a burial
- maleducadoadjectiverude, ill-mannered — lacking good manners or social respect; impolite
- ruraladjectiverural — relating to the countryside or non-urban areas
- sagradoadjectivesacred — connected with religion or revered as holy; also figuratively: something treated with great respect
- escasoadjectivescarce — in short supply; insufficient for the demand or need
- duelonoungrief, mourning — the emotional process of bereavement after loss; also a duel
- estimarverbto estimate, to reckon
- señalar (indicar una señal)verbto signal, to indicate
- superficialadjectiveshallow, superficial
- significativoadjectivesignificant — large or important enough to be worthy of attention
- sinceroadjectivesincere — genuinely felt or expressed; not pretending or deceptive
- pautanounguideline, pattern — an official recommendation or behavioural norm
- simularverbto simulate, to model
- sólidoadjectivesolid, robust
- sofisticadoadjectivesophisticated — highly developed and complex; or: having refined tastes and knowledge
- deslizarseverbto slip, to slide
- dispersoadjectivesparse, scattered — thinly distributed over a large area; not concentrated
- reunirverbto gather, to collect
- específicoadjectivespecific — clearly defined or identified; not general or vague
- espléndidoadjectivesplendid, magnificent — impressively great or excellent
- espontáneoadjectivespontaneous — occurring or done without prior planning or external prompting
- estableadjectivestable — not likely to change or fail; firmly established
- básicoadjectivebasic, staple — forming an essential foundation; indispensable or standard
- empaparverbto soak, to immerse
- hábitonounhabit, routine — a repeated behaviour pattern acquired through practice
- sostenidoadjectivesustained, steady — maintained consistently over time without interruption
- escarpadoadjectivesteep, precipitous — having a sharp slope or incline
- estrictoadjectivestrict — demanding or enforcing rigorous adherence to rules or standards
- testarudoadjectivestubborn, pig-headed — unwilling to change one's attitude or position despite pressure
- dispararse (subir bruscamente)verbto soar, to spike sharply
- generarverbto generate, to produce
- posterioradjectivesubsequent, later — coming after something in time or order
- puertonounharbour, port — a sheltered coastal area for ships; also a mountain pass
- sustancialadjectivesubstantial, significant
- sutiladjectivesubtle — so delicate or precise as to be difficult to detect or describe
- suficienteadjectivesufficient — enough to meet a need or standard
- calmarverbto soothe, to calm
- dificultadnoundifficulty, hardship
- echar un vistazoverbto glance at, to take a quick look
- velozadjectiveswift, fast — moving or acting with great speed
- tangibleadjectivetangible — perceptible by touch or clearly real and concrete; not abstract
- tiernoadjectivetender — showing gentleness and concern; also: tender/soft in texture
- tensoadjectivetense — feeling or causing anxiety or stress; strained
- teóricoadjectivetheoretical — concerned with theory rather than practical application
- cosechanounharvest, crop — the act or result of gathering mature crops; a season's agricultural yield
- especializarse (en)verbto specialise
- exhaustivoadjectivethorough, exhaustive — extremely comprehensive and careful in covering all aspects
- fulminar con la miradaverbto glare at, to look daggers
- ordenadoadjectivetidy, orderly — arranged neatly and in order; well-organised
- transparenteadjectivetransparent — open and not secretive; allowing scrutiny or easy understanding
- trivialadjectivetrivial — of little importance or value; not worth serious consideration
- típicoadjectivetypical, characteristic
- especificarverbto specify, to detail
- gobernarverbto govern, to rule
- riesgonounhazard, risk — the possibility of harm or loss; also a specific danger
- singularadjectiveunique, singular — remarkable or unusual; unlike anything else
- universaladjectiveuniversal — applying to all people or situations everywhere; not limited to one place or group
- sin precedenteadjectiveunprecedented — never having happened or existed before
- urbanoadjectiveurban — relating to or characteristic of a city or town
- concederverbto grant, to award
- montónnounheap, pile
- separarse / escindirseverbto split, to break away
- urgenteadjectiveurgent — requiring immediate attention or action
- vagoadjectivevague — not clearly expressed or defined; lacking precision
- variableadjectivevariable — liable to change; not fixed or constant
- vibranteadjectivevibrant — full of energy and enthusiasm; lively and stimulating
- exprimirverbto squeeze, to extract maximum value
- herencianounheritage, inheritance — cultural legacy or biological/legal inheritance
- sonreír abiertamenteverbto grin, to beam
- vigorosoadjectivevigorous, energetic
- virtualadjectivevirtual — carried out or existing using computers and the internet; also: almost or nearly something described
- visibleadjectivevisible — able to be seen; or: noticeable and evident
- vitaladjectivevital — absolutely necessary or essential for existence or success
- vívidoadjectivevivid — producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images; bright and intense
- aferrarverbto grip, to grasp
- frenarverbto stem, to halt the advance of
- jerarquíanounhierarchy — a system of ranked positions or authority levels within an organisation
- nuloadjectivevoid, null — having no legal force or validity; cancelled or annulled
- cautelosoadjectivewary, cautious — feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems
- agotadoadjectiveexhausted, depleted
- malvadoadjectivewicked, evil — morally bad or deliberately harmful
- estimularverbto stimulate, to incentivise
- extendidoadjectivewidespread, prevalent — found or distributed over a large area or among many people
- valiosoadjectivevaluable, worthwhile
- en el extranjeroadverbabroad, overseas — in or to a foreign country
- aproximadamenteadverbapproximately, roughly
- comúnmenteadverbcommonly — in a way that happens or appears very often; usually or frequently
- agitarverbto stir, to rouse
- detenerverbto halt, to detain
- hacia abajoadverbdownward — towards a lower level or position; in a declining direction
- honornounhonour, integrity — a quality of high moral character and public respect
- en otro lugaradverbelsewhere, somewhere else
- anteriormenteadverbformerly, previously — in the past; at an earlier time
- en ningún lugaradverbnowhere, not anywhere
- horizontenounhorizon — the line where earth meets sky; figuratively, one's outlook or prospects
- manejarverbto handle, to manage
- recalcarverbto stress, to emphasise
- de lo contrarioadverbotherwise — in other circumstances; or else; if that is not the case
- aparentementeadverbseemingly, apparently — according to appearances; as far as can be seen or judged
- de este modoadverbthereby, in this way — by that means; as a result of that
- batallarverbto struggle, to battle
- hogarnounhousehold, home — a domestic unit and the place where it lives; also a hearth
- perjudicarverbto harm, to damage
- medianteadverbwhereby, by means of — by which; through or by which
- totalmenteadverbwholly, entirely
- a nivel mundialadverbworldwide, globally — throughout the world; at a global scale
- exceptoprepositionexcept — not including; other than
- humanidadnounhumanity, humankind — the human race as a whole; also the quality of being compassionate
- percibirverbto perceive, to notice
- rondarverbto haunt, to torment
- tropezar (con)verbto stumble upon / encounter an obstacle
- versusprepositionversus — against; contrasted with
- hipótesisnounhypothesis — a proposed explanation to be tested through research
- realizarverbto carry out, to perform
- sanarverbto heal, to recover
- sustituirverbto substitute, to replace
- inmigrantenounimmigrant — a person who has moved to live in a foreign country
- tener éxitoverbto succeed, to achieve
- convenirverbto suit, to be appropriate
- identificarverbto identify, to pinpoint
- impactonounimpact, effect — the strong or significant effect of one thing on another
- persistirverbto persist, to persevere
- complementar(se)verbto complement, to supplement
- ignorarverbto ignore, to disregard
- incidentenounincident — an event, especially one that is problematic or requires official attention
- comprometerse averbto pledge, to commit to
- ilustrarverbto illustrate, to demonstrate
- industrianounindustry — a branch of economic activity, especially manufacturing; also diligence
- suministrarverbto supply, to provide
- hundirseverbto plunge, to collapse
- imaginarverbto imagine, to picture
- iniciativanouninitiative — an act or proposal that starts a process; also the capacity to act independently
- rodearverbto surround, to encircle
- imponerverbto impose, to enforce
- innovaciónnouninnovation
- retratarverbto portray, to depict
- sobrevivir (a)verbto survive
- aportaciónnouncontribution, input — something given or added to a shared effort
- impresionarverbto impress, to strike
- poseerverbto possess, to own
- sospecharverbto suspect
- ejemplonouninstance, example — a particular case used to illustrate a point
- balancear(se)verbto sway, to oscillate
- inclinarseverbto incline towards, to lean towards
- instintonouninstinct — an innate tendency to behave in a particular way without reasoning
- rezarverbto pray
- incorporarverbto incorporate, to include
- instituciónnouninstitution — an established organisation or system, especially in public life
- predecirverbto predict, to forecast
- contaminar (reputación)verbto taint, to blight
- inducirverbto induce, to lead to
- domarverbto tame, to bring under control
- entregarse averbto indulge in, to give oneself over to
- prepararverbto prepare
- inflarverbto inflate, to distort upwards
- intenciónnounintention, intent — the aim or plan behind an action
- preservarverbto preserve, to protect
- provocar (burlarse, pinchar)verbto tease, to wind up
- influirverbto influence, to affect
- intervenciónnounintervention — an act of becoming involved to change a situation
- tentarverbto tempt, to entice
- cuestiónnounissue, matter — a topic of discussion or concern
- informarverbto inform, to report
- prevenirverbto prevent
- rescindirverbto terminate, to rescind
- apretar (reforzar, intensificar)verbto tighten, to intensify
- habitarverbto inhabit, to live in
- procederverbto proceed
- heredarverbto inherit, to receive
- nudonounknot, crux
- proclamarverbto proclaim, to declare officially
- torturarverbto torture
- etiquetanounlabel, tag — a word or phrase applied to categorise a person or thing; also etiquette
- iniciarverbto initiate, to start
- producirverbto produce, to cause
- rastrearverbto trace, to track
- inyectarverbto inject, to infuse
- mano de obranounlabour, workforce — the human effort or workers available for employment
- carencianounlack, shortage — an absence or deficiency of something needed
- indagarverbto inquire into, to investigate
- transportarverbto transport, to carry
- paisajenounlandscape, scenery — the visible features of an area of land; also a figurative backdrop
- promoververbto promote, to foster
- tratar (abordar)verbto treat, to address
- inspirarverbto inspire, to motivate
- pronunciarverbto pronounce; to deliver a speech
- regazonounlap — the flat area formed by the upper legs when sitting; associated with care and intimacy
- temblarverbto tremble, to shake
- capanounlayer, stratum — one thickness laid over another; also a cloak or social stratum
- desencadenarverbto trigger, to set off
- insultarverbto insult, to abuse verbally
- remeter / guardar (doblar y colocar)verbto tuck, to push into place
- integrarverbto integrate, to include
- legislaciónnounlegislation — the body of laws enacted by a legislative body
- protestarverbto protest, to object
- someterse averbto undergo, to submit to
- interactuarverbto interact, to engage with
- proporcionarverbto provide, to supply
- unificarverbto unify, to integrate
- defender (sostener, hacer respetar)verbto uphold, to defend
- interferirverbto interfere, to meddle
- provocarverbto provoke, to trigger
- castigarverbto punish, to penalise
- interpretarverbto interpret, to read as
- utilizarverbto utilise, to employ
- vida útilnounlifetime, lifespan — the duration of a person's or thing's active existence
- intrigarverbto intrigue, to fascinate
- miembronounlimb — an arm or leg; also a member of a group
- pronunciar (proferir, emitir)verbto utter, to say
- desconcertarverbto puzzle, to disconcert
- presentarverbto introduce, to present
- invadirverbto invade, to enter by force
- variarverbto vary, to differ
- arriesgarse (a)verbto venture, to take a risk
- citarverbto quote, to cite
- grupo de presiónnounlobby, pressure group — an organised group that influences political decisions
- inventarverbto invent, to create
- buclenounloop — a repetitive sequence or cycle; also a curved shape
- clasificarverbto rank, to classify
- infringirverbto violate, to infringe
- invertirverbto invest
- investigarverbto investigate, to research
- lujonounluxury — something desirable but not essential; great comfort
- tranquilizarverbto reassure, to calm
- votarverbto vote
- implicarverbto involve, to entail
- magnitudnounmagnitude — the great size or extent of something; also the measure of a physical quantity
- prometer / jurar (voto solemne)verbto vow, to pledge
- rebelarseverbto rebel, to revolt
- deambularverbto wander, to roam
- irritarverbto irritate, to annoy
- mayoríanounmajority — the greater number or part of something
- aislarverbto isolate, to cut off
- debilitar(se)verbto weaken, to undermine
- juzgarverbto judge, to assess
- reconstruirverbto reconstruct, to rebuild
- justificarverbto justify, to give reasons for
- mecanismonounmechanism — the means by which something operates or is brought about
- recuperarverbto recover, to retrieve
- retirar(se)verbto withdraw, to pull back
- lanzarverbto launch, to start
- marchitarseverbto wither, to fade
- membresíanounmembership — the state of belonging to an organisation
- reclutarverbto recruit
- filtrarverbto leak, to filter
- misericordianounmercy, compassion — willingness to forgive or be kind towards those in distress
- resistir (aguantar, soportar)verbto withstand, to resist
- apoyarse enverbto lean against, to rest on
- desordennounmess, disorder — a state of untidiness or confusion; administrative chaos
- perfeccionarverbto refine, to perfect
- preguntarseverbto wonder, to ask oneself
- adorarverbto worship, to adore
- métodonounmethod — a systematic procedure for achieving a result
- reflexionarverbto reflect, to think carefully
- autorizarverbto licence, to authorise
- envolver(se)verbto wrap, to involve
- migraciónnounmigration — the movement of people from one region or country to another
- reformarverbto reform; to renovate
- cederverbto yield, to concede
- localizarverbto locate, to find
- minoríanounminority, minority group
- negarse averbto refuse to
- bajarverbto lower, to reduce
- milagronounmiracle — an extraordinary event attributed to supernatural causes; figuratively, any remarkable event
- manipularverbto manipulate, to control
- misiónnounmission — the purpose or objective of an organisation; also a diplomatic or military assignment
- registrarverbto register, to record
- repartirverbto share out, to divide
- fabricarverbto manufacture, to produce
- estado de ánimonounmood, emotional state — a temporary emotional condition affecting behaviour
- medirverbto measure, to quantify
- regularverbto regulate
- mediarverbto mediate, to arbitrate
- reinarverbto reign; to prevail
- mencionarverbto mention, to refer to
- mitonounmyth — a traditional story or widely held false belief; a legendary figure
- reforzarverbto reinforce, to strengthen
- fusionarverbto merge, to combine
- narrativanounnarrative — a spoken or written account of connected events; a dominant public discourse
- relajar(se)verbto relax
- liberarverbto release, to free
- minimizarverbto minimise, to downplay
- necesidadnounnecessity, need — something that is required or indispensable
- despistarverbto mislead, to confuse
- rednounnetwork — a system of interconnected elements; a social or professional network
- burlarseverbto mock, to make fun of
- normanounnorm, standard — an established rule or expected pattern of behaviour
- permanecerverbto remain, to stay
- modificarverbto modify, to change
- nociónnounnotion — a general idea or understanding, often vague or preliminary
- molestianounnuisance, annoyance — something that causes inconvenience or irritation
- obesidadnounobesity — the medical condition of being severely overweight
- renovarverbto renew, to extend
- navegarverbto navigate, to find one's way
- descuidarverbto neglect, to fail to care for
- obligaciónnounobligation, duty — a moral or legal requirement to act in a certain way
- nominarverbto nominate, to propose
- obstáculonounobstacle, barrier — something that blocks progress or makes achievement difficult
- reemplazar / sustituirverbto replace, to substitute
- ocasiónnounoccasion — a particular time or event; a suitable opportunity
- responderverbto reply, to answer
- representarverbto represent
- obsesionarseverbto obsess, to fixate
- oponentenounopponent — a person or group competing against or arguing against another
- reproducirverbto reproduce, to replicate
- obstaculizarverbto obstruct, to impede
- requerirverbto require
- contrarionounopposite — the contrary or reverse of something; also an opponent
- obtenerverbto obtain, to get
- rescatarverbto rescue
- ocuparverbto occupy, to take up
- opciónnounoption, choice — one of a set of alternatives available
- parecerse a / asemejarse averbto resemble
- órbitanounorbit — the curved path of a celestial body; figuratively, an area of influence
- producirseverbto occur, to take place
- ofenderverbto offend, to upset
- origennounorigin — the point or place of beginning; one's background or ancestry
- residirverbto reside; to lie in
- dimitirverbto resign
- oprimirverbto oppress, to subjugate
- resultadonounoutcome, result — the final consequence or product of a process
- perspectivanounoutlook, perspective — a point of view; the way things look from a particular position
- resistirverbto resist, to withstand
- producciónnounoutput, production — the amount of something produced; the process of producing it
- resolververbto resolve, to solve
- respetarverbto respect; to comply with
- ritmonounpace, rhythm — the speed at which something happens; a regular beat
- abrumarverbto overwhelm, to overpower
- panelnounpanel — a group of people convened to discuss or judge something
- responder a (una demanda)verbto respond to, to address
- paradojanounparadox — a statement that seems contradictory but may be true; an ironic situation
- restaurarverbto restore
- parlamentonounparliament — the supreme legislative body of a country
- participarverbto participate, to take part
- restringirverbto restrict, to limit
- pasiónnounpassion — a strong emotion or intense enthusiasm for something
- patrullarverbto patrol, to guard
- hacer una pausaverbto pause, to stop briefly
- pradonounpasture, meadow — a field of grass used for grazing or as natural land
- patentenounpatent — an official right granting exclusive use of an invention
- retrocederverbto retreat, to fall back
- invertir (una tendencia)verbto reverse
- paciencianounpatience — the capacity to accept delays or difficulties without frustration
- piconounpeak — the pointed top of a mountain; the highest point of a quantity or activity
- revisarverbto review, to check
- revisar y corregir / actualizarverbto revise, to update
- revivirverbto revive; to relive
- sanciónnounpenalty, sanction — a punishment imposed for breaking a rule or law
- percepciónnounperception — the way something is understood or interpreted; the process of becoming aware
- recompensarverbto reward
- deshacerse de / librarse deverbto get rid of, to dispose of
- períodonounperiod — a length of time; a distinct stage in a sequence of events
- personalidadnounpersonality — the combination of characteristics that form an individual's distinctive character
- rugirverbto roar
- fenómenonounphenomenon — an observable event or fact; colloquially, a remarkable person or thing
- rodarverbto roll; to film
- filosofíanounphilosophy — the study of fundamental questions; a set of guiding beliefs or principles
- frotarverbto rub
- arruinarverbto ruin
- pilanounpile, stack — a tidy or untidy heap of things; also a battery
- pioneronounpioneer, trailblazer — a person who is first to open up a new field of research or activity
- sacrificar(se)verbto sacrifice
- satisfacerverbto satisfy
- dispersar(se)verbto scatter, to disperse
- venenonounpoison, toxin
- políticanounpolicy, politics — a set of principles guiding decisions; also political activity generally
- rascarverbto scratch
- estanquenounpond — a small body of still water, usually artificial or natural
- apoderarse de / hacerse converbto seize, to take control of
- pobrezanounpoverty — the state of being extremely poor; the condition of lacking basic resources
- establecerse / resolververbto settle, to establish oneself
- prestigionounprestige — widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something
- principionounprinciple — a fundamental truth or belief serving as a foundation
- sacudirverbto shake, to rock
- cónyugenounspouse, partner
- declaraciónnounstatement, declaration — a formal announcement or official statement; 'declaración jurada' = sworn statement
- estatusnounstatus — the official classification or position of a person in a hierarchy; 'estatus legal/migratorio/social'; not synonymous with 'estado'
- florecerverbto flourish, to thrive
- montarverbto organise, to set up
- nutrirverbto nurture, to develop
- objetarverbobject, raise an objection — to formally express disagreement or opposition; 'objetar que…'; formal register verb
- peajenountoll, toll fee
- precisoadjectiveprecise, exact — marked by accuracy; also: necessary
- reservasnounreserves, stock — a supply of something kept for future use; also: 'tener reservas
- sabiduríanounwisdom — accumulated knowledge combined with sound judgement; 'sabiduría popular' = folk wisdom; more than mere knowledge
- símbolonounsymbol, representation
- simpatíanounsympathy, warmth — likeability or warmth; false friend with English 'sympathy'
- sujetonounsubject, participant — a person in a study or experiment; or the grammatical subject; 'sujeto a' = subject to
- tácticanountactic — a short-term method to achieve an immediate goal, within a broader 'estrategia'; 'tácticas dilatorias'
- técnicanountechnique — a way of carrying out a task using practical skills; 'aplicar una técnica'; distinct from 'tecnología'
- temperamentonountemperament — a person's stable habitual disposition and character; not a momentary mood; 'temperamento impulsivo/tranquilo'
- tensiónnounstrain, tension
- términonounterm, period — a fixed duration; a technical word; 'en términos de' = in terms of; 'los términos del acuerdo'
- tópiconountopic — a subject of discourse
- transiciónnountransition — the gradual process of moving from one state or system to another; 'transición democrática/energética'
- valenounvoucher, token — a document entitling the holder to a discount or benefit; 'canjear un vale'; not the interjection 'vale'
- variaciónnounvariation — a measurable deviation from a norm; 'variación estacional/de precio'; more quantitative than 'cambio'
- vehículonounvehicle, means — a medium for transmitting or expressing something; figurative use dominant at B2; 'vehículo de expresión'
- víctimanounvictim
- voluntarioadjectivevoluntary, optional — done of one's own free will; 'participación voluntaria'; 'jubilación voluntaria' = voluntary redundancy