emocionar
Lemma Details
Translation: to move emotionally; to excite; to thrill; to stir
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From 'emoción' (emotion) + '-ar' (verbal suffix). 'Emoción' comes from Latin 'emotio' (a moving out, stirring up), from 'emovere' (to move out, remove, agitate), from 'e-' (out) + 'movere' (to move). The English cognate 'emotion' shares the same Latin root, making this connection easy to remember. The verb literally means 'to cause emotion' or 'to stir feelings'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La película me emocionó hasta las lágrimas.
The movie moved me to tears.
Su discurso emocionó a toda la audiencia.
His speech moved the entire audience.
Me emociona pensar en nuestro futuro juntos.
It excites me to think about our future together.
Se emocionó al recibir el premio.
He was moved when receiving the award.
Mnemonics
- Think 'emotion-ar' - to cause emotion in someone.
- Remember that 'emocionar' is like putting someone into an emotional state.
- Connect it to the English phrase 'to be moved' - when something emotionally moves you.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, expressing emotions openly is generally more accepted than in some English-speaking cultures. 'Emocionar' is commonly used to describe the impact of art, music, literature, and personal experiences that touch people deeply.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Emocionar' means to cause emotion in someone else, while 'emocionarse' (reflexive form) means to become emotional oneself.
Notes: The reflexive form 'emocionarse' is very common in Spanish to express becoming emotional.
Mnemonic: Think of 'emocionar' as directing emotion outward (to others), while 'emocionarse' is directing emotion inward (to oneself).
Explanation: While both mean 'to move emotionally,' 'emocionar' often implies excitement or positive emotions, whereas 'conmover' typically suggests deeper, sometimes sadder emotions.
Confused word:
La historia del niño huérfano conmovió a todos.
The story of the orphan boy deeply moved everyone.
Notes: Both verbs can sometimes be used interchangeably, but 'conmover' often has a more profound emotional impact.
Mnemonic: Think of 'emocionar' as 'e-motion' (excitement) and 'conmover' as 'con-move' (moving with someone in empathy).