desacuerdo
Lemma Details
Translation: disagreement; discord; dissent; difference of opinion
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Formed from the prefix 'des-' (indicating negation or reversal) + 'acuerdo' (agreement). The prefix 'des-' corresponds to English 'dis-', and 'acuerdo' comes from the verb 'acordar' (to agree), which derives from Latin 'accordare' (to bring into harmony). The English cognate 'discord' follows a similar pattern of negating harmony or agreement.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Hay un desacuerdo entre los miembros del comité.
There is a disagreement among the committee members.
Estamos en desacuerdo sobre cómo resolver este problema.
We are in disagreement about how to solve this problem.
Su desacuerdo con la política de la empresa fue evidente.
His disagreement with the company policy was evident.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'des-' as 'dis-' in English (as in 'disagree') and 'acuerdo' as 'accord' - so 'desacuerdo' is literally 'dis-accord'.
- Visualize two people shaking their heads and saying 'no' to an 'acuerdo' (agreement).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, expressing disagreement directly can sometimes be seen as confrontational, especially in formal or business settings. People often use softening phrases before stating their disagreement to maintain harmony in conversations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'desacuerdo' means 'disagreement', 'acuerdo' means 'agreement'. They are antonyms, with 'desacuerdo' containing the negative prefix 'des-'.
Confused word:
Llegamos a un acuerdo sobre el presupuesto.
We reached an agreement about the budget.
Notes: The prefix 'des-' is very productive in Spanish and often corresponds to 'dis-', 'un-', or 'de-' in English.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'des-' negates the meaning, just like 'dis-' in English.
Explanation: 'Desacuerdo' (disagreement) and 'descuido' (carelessness, neglect) look somewhat similar but have completely different meanings. 'Desacuerdo' relates to differing opinions while 'descuido' relates to lack of attention or care.
Confused word:
El descuido del empleado causó el accidente.
The employee's carelessness caused the accident.
Notes: Both words begin with 'des-' but modify completely different root words.
Mnemonic: 'Desacuerdo' contains 'acuerdo' (agreement), while 'descuido' contains 'cuidado' (care).