corral

Lemma Details

Translation: corral; pen; enclosure; yard; barnyard

Part of Speech: noun

Etymology: From Medieval Latin 'currale', derived from Latin 'currus' meaning 'chariot' or 'vehicle'. The word evolved to describe an enclosed area for animals. The English word 'corral' was borrowed directly from Spanish in the 19th century during American westward expansion, particularly in ranching contexts. The root 'curr-' relates to running or movement, as seen in English words like 'current' and 'courier'.

Commonality: 60%

Guessability: 80%

Register: neutral

Mnemonics

  • Think of cowboys 'corralling' cattle into an enclosure.
  • The double 'r' in 'corral' can remind you of the fence posts used to build the enclosure.

Related Words, Phrases & Idioms

corralito

Unknown

No translation

acorralar

Unknown

No translation

corral de comedias

Unknown

No translation

estar como gallina en corral ajeno

Unknown

No translation

Synonyms

cercado

Unknown

No translation

redil

Unknown

No translation

establo

Unknown

No translation

Antonyms

campo abierto

Unknown

No translation

Cultural Context

In Spanish-speaking rural areas, especially in Latin America, corrals remain important structures for livestock management. Historically in Spain, 'corrales de comedias' were open-air theaters where plays were performed during the Golden Age of Spanish literature. The term also has significance in ranching culture throughout the American Southwest, where Spanish ranching traditions influenced American cowboy practices.

Easily Confused With

coral

Unknown

No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: 'Corral' (with double 'r') means an enclosure for animals, while 'coral' (with single 'r') means the marine organism or its color.

Notes: The pronunciation differs: 'corral' has a strong rolled 'rr' sound, while 'coral' has a softer 'r'.

Mnemonic: Double 'r' in corRAL for the animal encRALosure; single 'r' in coRAL for the sea creature.

correr

Unknown

No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: 'Corral' is a noun for an animal enclosure, while 'correr' is a verb meaning 'to run'.

Notes: Both words share the same Latin root related to movement, but evolved into different parts of speech.

Mnemonic: Animals are contained in a corRAL, but when free they can corRER (run).