consultar
Lemma Details
Translation: to consult; to ask for advice; to check; to look up; to refer to
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'consultare', an intensive form of 'consulere' meaning 'to take counsel, consider, reflect upon'. The English cognate 'consult' shares the same Latin root. The prefix 'con-' means 'together' and the root '-sul-' is related to 'sedere' (to sit), suggesting the original meaning of sitting together to deliberate or discuss.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Necesito consultar con mi médico sobre este problema.
I need to consult with my doctor about this problem.
Consultó el diccionario para verificar la ortografía.
He consulted the dictionary to verify the spelling.
Deberías consultar a un experto antes de tomar una decisión.
You should consult an expert before making a decision.
Consulté el mapa para encontrar la dirección.
I checked the map to find the address.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'consult' in English - they sound almost identical.
- Con-SULT-ar: imagine sitting (related to Latin 'sedere') together ('con') with someone to get their advice.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'consultar' is commonly used in medical contexts for doctor's appointments. It's also frequently used in academic and professional settings when seeking expert advice or checking reference materials.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'consultar' means 'to consult' or 'to ask for advice', 'contestar' means 'to answer' or 'to respond'. They are almost opposite actions in a conversation.
This word:
Voy a consultar al profesor sobre mi duda.
I'm going to consult the professor about my doubt.
Confused word:
El profesor va a contestar mi pregunta.
The professor is going to answer my question.
Notes: These verbs often appear in the same context but represent opposite sides of an exchange of information.
Mnemonic: ConSULTar is about Seeking information, while conTESTar is about Telling the answer.
Explanation: 'Consultar' involves seeking external advice or information, while 'considerar' means 'to consider' or 'to think about' something internally.
Confused word:
Voy a considerar todas las opciones antes de decidir.
I'm going to consider all options before deciding.
Notes: Both start with 'cons-' but have different purposes: external reference vs. internal reflection.
Mnemonic: ConSULTar involves looking up something, while conSIDERar involves sitting with your thoughts.