entrometido
Lemma Details
Translation: meddlesome; nosy; interfering; intrusive; busybody
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'entrometer' (to meddle, to interfere), which comes from Latin 'intromittere' meaning 'to send in' or 'to let in'. The prefix 'intro-' means 'inside' or 'within', and 'mittere' means 'to send'. The English word 'intrude' shares the same Latin root, making it a cognate. The '-ido' ending is a common past participle suffix in Spanish that has evolved into an adjective describing someone characterized by this meddling behavior.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mi vecina es muy entrometida y siempre pregunta sobre mi vida personal.
My neighbor is very nosy and always asks about my personal life.
No seas entrometido, esto no es asunto tuyo.
Don't be meddlesome, this is none of your business.
Los periodistas entrometidos no respetan la privacidad de los famosos.
Intrusive journalists don't respect celebrities' privacy.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'entro' (enter) + 'metido' (put in) = someone who 'puts themselves into' situations where they don't belong.
- Sounds like 'intruder-meddled' – someone who intrudes and meddles in others' affairs.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, being 'entrometido' is generally viewed negatively as it violates social boundaries of privacy. However, in some close-knit communities or families, a certain degree of involvement in others' affairs might be more accepted than in English-speaking cultures.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'entrometido' means 'meddlesome' or 'nosy', 'entendido' means 'understood' or 'expert/knowledgeable person'. They look similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Quedó entendido que nos reuniremos mañana.
It was understood that we would meet tomorrow.
Notes: The prefix 'entro-' (into) vs 'enten-' (understand) can help distinguish these words.
Mnemonic: 'Entrometido' has 'metro' in it, like someone who 'measures' or investigates others' business; 'entendido' has 'tend' in it, like someone who 'attends to' or understands something.
Explanation: 'Entrometido' refers to someone who meddles in others' affairs, while 'comprometido' means 'committed' or 'engaged'.
This word:
No seas entrometido con mis decisiones personales.
Don't be nosy about my personal decisions.
Confused word:
Estoy comprometido a terminar este proyecto a tiempo.
I am committed to finishing this project on time.
Notes: Both are '-ido' adjectives but with very different connotations - one negative (entrometido) and one generally positive (comprometido).
Mnemonic: 'Comprometido' contains 'promise' (compromiso), suggesting a commitment or promise; 'entrometido' suggests someone who 'enters' where they shouldn't.