clamar
Lemma Details
Translation: to cry out; to clamor; to call for; to demand; to plead
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Clamar comes from Latin 'clamare' meaning 'to shout, cry out'. This Latin root also gave English words like 'clamor', 'claim', 'exclaim', 'proclaim', and 'reclaim'. The connection between 'clamar' and these English words helps illustrate how the core meaning involves making one's voice heard forcefully.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 70%
Register: literary, formal
Example Usage
El pueblo clamaba por justicia.
The people were crying out for justice.
Su voz clamó en medio del silencio.
His voice cried out in the midst of silence.
Los manifestantes clamaban contra la corrupción.
The protesters were clamoring against corruption.
Clamó al cielo por ayuda en su desesperación.
He cried out to heaven for help in his desperation.
Esta situación clama por una solución inmediata.
This situation calls for an immediate solution.
Mnemonics
- Think of English 'clamor' - a loud and insistent noise or demand.
- Imagine someone 'clamoring' (clamar) for attention by shouting loudly.
- Connect it to 'exclaim' - both involve vocal expression with intensity.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
Clamar is often used in literary, religious, or formal contexts. It appears in biblical translations and formal rhetoric when expressing strong demands or pleas. It's less common in everyday speech than synonyms like 'gritar' or 'pedir'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'clamar' means 'to cry out' or 'to demand loudly', 'llamar' means 'to call' in the sense of naming or telephoning someone. They look and sound similar but have different meanings and contexts.
Notes: 'Clamar' is more formal and emphatic, while 'llamar' is more common in everyday speech.
Mnemonic: 'Clamar' has a 'C' for 'Cry out' while 'llamar' has two 'L's like the two rings of a telephone call.
Explanation: 'Clamar' is to cry out or demand in a general sense, while 'reclamar' specifically means to claim, demand what is due, or make a formal complaint.
This word:
Clamó por ayuda cuando se sintió en peligro.
He cried out for help when he felt in danger.
Confused word:
Fue a reclamar el reembolso por el producto defectuoso.
He went to claim the refund for the defective product.
Notes: 'Reclamar' is more common in everyday contexts like customer service, while 'clamar' has a more dramatic, emotional connotation.
Mnemonic: 'Reclamar' has 're-' prefix suggesting a formal process of getting something back or making an official complaint.