a la búsqueda de
Lemma Details
Translation: in search of; looking for; seeking
Part of Speech: prepositional phrase
Etymology: This prepositional phrase combines several Spanish elements: 'a' (to), 'la' (the feminine definite article), 'búsqueda' (search, from the verb 'buscar' meaning 'to search/look for'), and 'de' (of). 'Búsqueda' derives from the Vulgar Latin *buscare, possibly of Germanic origin related to the root *busk- meaning 'to beat about, search'. The construction parallels the English 'in search of' but uses the Spanish pattern of movement or direction ('a') combined with purpose.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Salió a la búsqueda de nuevas oportunidades en el extranjero.
He went in search of new opportunities abroad.
Los científicos están a la búsqueda de una cura para esta enfermedad.
Scientists are in search of a cure for this disease.
El explorador partió a la búsqueda de la ciudad perdida.
The explorer set off in search of the lost city.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'búsqueda' as a 'busy quest' - you're actively searching for something.
- The phrase structure 'a la [noun] de' follows a common Spanish pattern for expressing purpose or direction.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in literary contexts and formal speech. It often appears in narratives describing quests, journeys, or intellectual pursuits. While not as colloquial as 'buscando', it carries a slightly more deliberate and purposeful connotation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both phrases mean 'in search of', but 'en busca de' is slightly more common in everyday speech, while 'a la búsqueda de' can sound slightly more formal or literary.
This word:
Estamos a la búsqueda de soluciones innovadoras.
We are in search of innovative solutions.
Confused word:
Estamos en busca de soluciones innovadoras.
We are in search of innovative solutions.
Notes: Both phrases are grammatically correct and can often be used interchangeably, though 'en busca de' is more frequent in conversational Spanish.
Mnemonic: 'A la' often introduces a more formal or specific purpose, while 'en' is more general.
Explanation: 'Buscando' is the gerund form of 'buscar' (to search) and is more direct and action-oriented, while 'a la búsqueda de' emphasizes the pursuit or quest aspect.
This word:
Está a la búsqueda de respuestas a sus preguntas.
He is in search of answers to his questions.
Confused word:
Está buscando respuestas a sus preguntas.
He is looking for answers to his questions.
Notes: 'Buscando' is more common in everyday speech, while 'a la búsqueda de' might appear in more formal or literary contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'a la búsqueda de' as 'on a quest for' versus 'buscando' as simply 'looking for'.