envejecer
Lemma Details
Translation: to age; to grow old; to become old; to make old
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'inveterascere' (to grow old), derived from 'in' (into) + 'vetus' (old). The Latin 'vetus' is related to English words like 'veteran' and 'inveterate'. The Spanish word preserves the core meaning of the process of aging or becoming old over time.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'en-vej-ecer' where 'vej' sounds like 'viejo' (old) - the process of becoming old.
- Connect it to 'vintage' in English - both relate to things becoming older.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, aging is often viewed with respect, and older people are traditionally honored for their wisdom and experience. The concept of 'envejecer' carries less negative connotation than in some youth-oriented cultures.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'envejecer' means 'to age' or 'to grow old', 'embellecer' means 'to beautify' or 'to embellish'. They sound similar but have nearly opposite meanings.
Notes: Both are -ecer verbs that describe changes in appearance, but in opposite directions.
Mnemonic: 'Envejecer' contains 'vej' like 'viejo' (old), while 'embellecer' contains 'bell' like 'bello' (beautiful).
Explanation: 'Envejecer' refers to aging, while 'enriquecer' means 'to enrich' or 'to make wealthy'.
Notes: Both are -ecer verbs that describe processes of change, but in different domains.
Mnemonic: 'Enriquecer' contains 'rique' which sounds like 'rico' (rich).