estable

Lemma Details

Translation: stable; steady; firm; constant; secure; reliable

Part of Speech: adjective

Etymology: Derived from Latin 'stabilis' meaning 'firm, steady, stable', which comes from the verb 'stare' meaning 'to stand'. The English word 'stable' shares the same Latin root, making them cognates. The root 'sta-' appears in many words related to standing or remaining in place across Indo-European languages, including English words like 'stand', 'stay', and 'establish'.

Commonality: 80%

Guessability: 90%

Register: neutral

Mnemonics

  • Think of 'estable' as 'stay-able' - something that's able to stay in place.
  • Remember that a stable is where horses stand (stay) - connecting to the Latin root 'stare' (to stand).

Related Words, Phrases & Idioms

estabilidad

Unknown

No translation

estabilizar

Unknown

No translation

establemente

Unknown

No translation

establecer

Unknown

No translation

situación estable

Unknown

No translation

Synonyms

firme

Unknown

No translation

constante

Unknown

No translation

seguro

Unknown

No translation

sólido

Unknown

No translation

fijo

Unknown

No translation

Antonyms

inestable

Unknown

No translation

variable

Unknown

No translation

inseguro

Unknown

No translation

volátil

Unknown

No translation

Cultural Context

In Spanish-speaking countries, 'estable' is commonly used in economic contexts to describe a stable economy or employment situation, which is particularly valued in regions that have experienced economic volatility.

Easily Confused With

establecer

Unknown

No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: While 'estable' is an adjective meaning 'stable', 'establecer' is a verb meaning 'to establish' or 'to set up'. They share the same Latin root but have different grammatical functions.

Notes: Both words relate to stability and permanence, but in different ways - one describes a state of being stable, the other the action of making something permanent.

Mnemonic: 'Estable' ends in '-ble' like many Spanish adjectives (amable, notable), while 'establecer' ends in '-cer' like many verbs (conocer, ofrecer).

establo

Unknown

No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: 'Estable' (stable, steady) is an adjective, while 'establo' is a noun meaning 'stable' (the building where animals are kept). They look and sound similar but have different meanings and uses.

Notes: Both words actually share the same Latin origin (stabilis/stabulum), but evolved to serve different grammatical functions in modern Spanish.

Mnemonic: 'Establo' has an 'o' at the end, think of the 'O' as the round opening of a stable door.