descomponer
Lemma Details
Translation: to decompose; to break down; to disassemble; to upset; to disarrange; to spoil
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the prefix 'des-' (indicating negation or reversal) and 'componer' (to compose, to put together). The prefix 'des-' comes from Latin 'dis-' (apart, away), while 'componer' comes from Latin 'componere' (to put together, arrange). The English cognate 'decompose' follows a similar formation pattern with the prefix 'de-' and 'compose' from the same Latin roots.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El calor descompone la comida rápidamente.
Heat spoils food quickly.
Necesito descomponer este aparato para repararlo.
I need to disassemble this device to repair it.
La noticia me descompuso completamente.
The news upset me completely.
El coche se descompuso en medio de la carretera.
The car broke down in the middle of the road.
Las bacterias descomponen la materia orgánica.
Bacteria decompose organic matter.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'des-' (un-) + 'compose' = to un-compose or break down something that was put together.
- Picture a computer being taken apart ('des-computer') to remember it means to disassemble.
- For the meaning 'to upset (stomach)', imagine decomposing food causing stomach problems.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'descomponer' is commonly used to refer to food spoilage, mechanical breakdowns, and digestive problems. The expression 'estar descompuesto' is frequently used to describe having an upset stomach or feeling ill.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'descomponer' means to break down or decompose, 'componer' means the opposite: to compose, to put together, or to repair.
Notes: The reflexive form 'descomponerse' often refers to food spoiling or machines breaking down, while 'componerse' can mean to recover or be repaired.
Mnemonic: Remember 'des-' means 'un-' or 'apart', so descomponer is taking apart what componer puts together.
Explanation: 'Descomponer' refers to breaking down physically or causing upset, while 'descompensarse' specifically refers to a physiological imbalance or decompensation in medical contexts.
Confused word:
El paciente se descompensó debido a su diabetes.
The patient became decompensated due to his diabetes.
Notes: Medical professionals use 'descompensarse' more specifically, while 'descomponer' is more general and commonly used.
Mnemonic: Think of 'descompensarse' as losing balance (compensation) in the body, while 'descomponer' is breaking down structure.