abonar
Lemma Details
Translation: to pay; to credit; to fertilize; to manure; to vouch for; to subscribe to
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'bonus' meaning 'good' or 'favorable'. The prefix 'a-' combined with 'bonus' created 'abonar', literally meaning 'to make good'. This connection to 'bonus' (which exists in English as well) helps explain why the verb relates to payment and improvement - you're making something 'good' by paying what's owed or improving soil with fertilizer.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Necesito abonar la factura antes del fin de mes.
I need to pay the bill before the end of the month.
El banco abonó el dinero a mi cuenta.
The bank credited the money to my account.
Los agricultores abonan los campos en primavera.
Farmers fertilize the fields in spring.
Puedo abonar por su buen carácter.
I can vouch for his good character.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a bonus' - when you 'abonar' (pay) someone, you're giving them their bonus or due payment.
- For the fertilizing meaning, imagine adding 'bonus' nutrients to soil to make it better.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking agricultural communities, 'abonar' is commonly used in the context of fertilizing crops. In financial contexts, it's a standard term for crediting accounts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'abonar' means to pay, credit, or fertilize, 'abandonar' means to abandon or leave behind. They look somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The prefix 'a-' is common in Spanish verbs and can sometimes cause confusion between otherwise unrelated words.
Mnemonic: 'Abonar' has 'bon' (good) in it - you're doing something good (paying, improving soil). 'Abandonar' has 'band' in it - like a band that leaves the stage.
Explanation: 'Abonar' relates to payment or fertilization while 'abollar' means to dent or crush something.
Notes: Both are regular -ar verbs but with completely different meanings and contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'a bowl' for 'abollar' - when you dent something, it can look like a bowl.