intacto
Lemma Details
Translation: intact; untouched; unharmed; undamaged; whole; unbroken
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'intactus', composed of the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') and 'tactus' (meaning 'touched'), literally meaning 'not touched'. This shares the same Latin root as the English word 'intact', making them perfect cognates. The root 'tactus' is also found in English words like 'tactile', 'contact', and 'tact'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El jarrón antiguo permaneció intacto a pesar del terremoto.
The antique vase remained intact despite the earthquake.
Su reputación quedó intacta después del escándalo.
His reputation remained intact after the scandal.
El sello estaba intacto, lo que indicaba que nadie había abierto el paquete.
The seal was intact, indicating that no one had opened the package.
Las reliquias se mantuvieron intactas durante siglos.
The relics remained untouched for centuries.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'intact' in English - they're almost identical in meaning and spelling.
- Break it down: 'in' (not) + 'tacto' (touched) = 'not touched'.
- Imagine trying to touch something but being unable to - it remains 'intacto'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
The word is used in both literal contexts (referring to physical objects) and figurative contexts (referring to reputation, honor, or abstract concepts). In some traditional contexts, the feminine form 'intacta' has historically been used to refer to a woman's virginity, though this usage is becoming less common in modern Spanish.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Intacto' means 'intact' or 'untouched', while 'intento' means 'attempt' or 'try'.
Notes: The spelling is similar but the meanings are completely different. 'Intacto' is an adjective while 'intento' is typically a noun.
Mnemonic: 'Intacto' has 'tact' in it, like 'tactile' (touch) - something untouched. 'Intento' has 'tent' in it, like 'attempt'.
Explanation: 'Intacto' is the masculine form, while 'intacta' is the feminine form of the same adjective.
This word:
El libro está intacto.
The book is intact.
Confused word:
La carta está intacta.
The letter is intact.
Notes: These are simply different gender forms of the same word, not different words.
Mnemonic: Remember that Spanish adjectives change form to match the gender of the noun they modify.