incompleto
Lemma Details
Translation: incomplete; unfinished; partial; fragmentary
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'incompletus', formed by the negative prefix 'in-' (not) + 'completus' (complete, filled). It shares the same Latin root as the English word 'incomplete', making it a transparent cognate. The root 'completus' comes from 'complere' meaning 'to fill up' or 'to complete', which is also the source of English words like 'complete', 'completion', and 'complement'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'in' (not) + 'complete' (finished) = 'not finished'
- Visualize an incomplete puzzle with missing pieces
- Remember the English word 'incomplete' which looks and means almost exactly the same
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Used in everyday contexts as well as in academic and professional settings. In educational contexts, 'incompleto' might appear on assignments or exams that weren't fully completed.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'incompleto' means something is not finished or missing parts, 'imperfecto' refers to something with flaws or defects but could be complete.
Confused word:
El libro está imperfecto, tiene manchas y páginas arrugadas.
The book is imperfect, it has stains and wrinkled pages.
Notes: Both words start with 'im/in' and can describe something that isn't ideal, but they focus on different aspects of inadequacy.
Mnemonic: 'Incompleto' focuses on missing parts (in-complete), while 'imperfecto' focuses on flaws (im-perfect).
Explanation: 'Incompleto' refers to something missing parts, while 'inconcluso' specifically refers to something that hasn't been concluded or finished yet but could be in the future.
Confused word:
El debate quedó inconcluso por falta de tiempo.
The debate remained unconcluded due to lack of time.
Notes: 'Incompleto' is more general, while 'inconcluso' specifically relates to something without a conclusion or ending.
Mnemonic: 'Inconcluso' has 'concluso' (concluded) in it with the negative prefix, so think of something without a conclusion.