a destiempo
Lemma Details
Translation: at the wrong time; untimely; inopportunely; out of time
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This adverbial phrase combines the preposition 'a' (at, to) with the noun 'destiempo', which itself is formed from the prefix 'des-' (indicating negation or reversal) and 'tiempo' (time). 'Tiempo' derives from Latin 'tempus' (time), which is related to English words like 'temporal', 'temporary', and 'contemporary'. The construction literally means 'at the wrong time' or 'out of time'.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Llegó a destiempo a la reunión y se perdió la presentación.
He arrived at the wrong time for the meeting and missed the presentation.
Su comentario a destiempo causó incomodidad entre los presentes.
His untimely comment caused discomfort among those present.
El proyecto fracasó porque las inversiones llegaron a destiempo.
The project failed because investments came at the wrong time.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'des-' as 'dis-' in English (disruption) + 'tiempo' (time) = disrupted timing
- Imagine someone arriving at a party after it's over - they came 'a destiempo' (at the wrong time)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish to indicate poor timing in social situations, business contexts, or when discussing events that occurred at an inappropriate moment. It can refer to both being late for something or doing something at an inappropriate time.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'a destiempo' means 'at the wrong time' or 'untimely', 'a tiempo' means 'on time' or 'timely'. They are direct opposites.
Confused word:
Llegó a tiempo para la reunión importante.
He arrived on time for the important meeting.
Notes: The prefix 'des-' in Spanish often indicates negation or reversal of the root word's meaning.
Mnemonic: Remember 'des-' as a negative prefix (like 'dis-' in English), so 'a destiempo' is the negative version of 'a tiempo'.
Explanation: 'A destiempo' refers to poor timing in general, while 'a contratiempo' specifically refers to something happening against the beat in music or facing obstacles/setbacks.
This word:
Su intervención a destiempo arruinó la sorpresa.
His untimely intervention ruined the surprise.
Confused word:
El músico tocaba a contratiempo y descoordinaba al grupo.
The musician was playing off-beat and throwing the group out of sync.
Notes: 'A contratiempo' is more commonly used in musical contexts or when referring to obstacles, while 'a destiempo' is more general about inappropriate timing.
Mnemonic: 'Contra' means 'against', so 'a contratiempo' relates to going against the natural rhythm or flow.