conmoción
Lemma Details
Translation: commotion; shock; concussion; upheaval; disturbance
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'commotio', derived from 'commovere' (to move violently, to agitate), which combines 'com-' (together, completely) and 'movere' (to move). The English cognate 'commotion' shares the same Latin root, making this an easy connection for English speakers. The word evolved to describe both physical trauma (medical sense) and social/emotional disturbances.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El jugador sufrió una conmoción cerebral durante el partido.
The player suffered a concussion during the match.
Hubo conmoción en las calles después del terremoto.
There was commotion in the streets after the earthquake.
La conmoción política afectó la economía del país.
The political upheaval affected the country's economy.
La noticia causó conmoción en todo el país.
The news caused shock throughout the country.
Mnemonics
- Think 'commotion' with an 'n' - they mean almost the same thing.
- Con-MOTION - something that creates movement or disturbance.
- The 'shock' meaning can be remembered by thinking of how a physical shock can create motion or movement.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish news and media, 'conmoción' is frequently used to describe societal reactions to major events like natural disasters, political scandals, or tragic accidents. In medical contexts, it specifically refers to concussions or physical trauma.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'conmoción' refers to a shock, disturbance or commotion, 'emoción' means 'emotion' or 'feeling'. 'Conmoción' typically involves external events causing disruption, while 'emoción' refers to internal feelings.
This word:
La explosión causó conmoción en el vecindario.
The explosion caused commotion in the neighborhood.
Confused word:
Sintió una fuerte emoción al ver a su familia.
He felt strong emotion upon seeing his family.
Notes: The prefix 'con-' (with) in 'conmoción' suggests something happening collectively or externally, while the 'e-' in 'emoción' can be associated with something emanating from within.
Mnemonic: 'Con-moción' has movement (motion) together with others (external), while 'e-moción' is about feelings moving inside you.
Explanation: The same word 'conmoción' can be confusing because it has multiple meanings: it can refer to a physical medical condition (concussion) or a social disturbance/shock.
Confused word:
La noticia causó conmoción entre los ciudadanos.
The news caused commotion among citizens.
Notes: Context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.
Mnemonic: For the medical meaning, think of a 'con-motion' inside your head. For the social meaning, think of people in 'commotion'.