exclusivo
Lemma Details
Translation: exclusive; sole; unique; private; restricted
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'exclusivus', derived from 'excludere' (to shut out, exclude), which comes from 'ex' (out) + 'claudere' (to close, shut). The English cognate 'exclusive' shares the same Latin root. The word conveys the idea of something that excludes or shuts out others, maintaining a boundary between what's inside (included) and outside (excluded).
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Este restaurante es muy exclusivo.
This restaurant is very exclusive.
Tenemos derechos exclusivos sobre esta patente.
We have exclusive rights to this patent.
Es un producto exclusivo para nuestros mejores clientes.
It's an exclusive product for our best customers.
La entrevista exclusiva se emitirá esta noche.
The exclusive interview will air tonight.
Mnemonics
- Think 'exclude-sivo' - something that excludes others.
- Remember that 'exclusive' and 'exclusivo' look and sound very similar.
- Picture a VIP area with a sign saying 'exclusivo' - only certain people are allowed in.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'exclusivo' often appears in marketing and advertising to denote luxury products or services. It's also commonly used in media contexts for 'exclusive' interviews or reports. The concept of exclusivity is valued in many Latin cultures as a marker of status and prestige.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both words relate to exclusion, 'exclusivo' typically has positive connotations of something special or high-quality, while 'excluyente' has more negative connotations of discrimination or leaving people out.
Confused word:
Esa política es excluyente para muchas personas.
That policy is exclusionary for many people.
Notes: 'Exclusivo' is more commonly used in marketing and to describe desirable products or services, while 'excluyente' is more often used in social or political contexts to describe discrimination.
Mnemonic: 'Exclusivo' ends with '-ivo' like 'positive', suggesting its often positive connotations, while 'excluyente' sounds harsher.
Explanation: These words look and sound similar but have completely different meanings. 'Exclusivo' means 'exclusive' while 'excesivo' means 'excessive' or 'too much'.
Notes: Both words are common in everyday Spanish, so it's important to distinguish between them.
Mnemonic: Notice the 'l' in 'exclusivo' which is absent in 'excesivo' - think 'l' for 'limited' (exclusive).