respaldar
verbUpper-intermediate
What does “respaldar” mean in English?
to back, to endorse
to back, to endorse (to lend evidential or institutional support; respaldar una hipótesis / una propuesta)
Example sentences
Varios estudios respaldan la hipótesis de que la dieta mediterránea reduce el riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares.
Several studies back up the hypothesis that the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
No es posible respaldar esta afirmación con los datos disponibles: hacen falta pruebas más contundentes.
It is not possible to back up this assertion with the available data: more compelling evidence is needed.
How to use it
Respaldar means 'to back up', 'to support', 'to lend credibility to'. It is the evidential support verb: you respaldar a claim with evidence, data, or authority. The frame is 'respaldar + noun (claim/person)' or 'respaldar con + evidence'. It is distinct from 'apoyar' (to support emotionally or politically) in that respaldar implies providing substantive backing — the thing that makes a claim credible. In academic and debate registers: 'varios estudios respaldan la hipótesis' (several studies back up the hypothesis) is a canonical pattern.
Common mistake
Respaldar (substantive, evidential backing) vs apoyar (support as endorsement or agreement). A study respalda a hypothesis; a colleague apoya your proposal. English 'support' covers both — Spanish distinguishes them. Don't use 'soportar' (*soportar una hipótesis is non-standard in this sense; soportar = to endure/tolerate).
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Funciones 4.11.