intercambiable
Lemma Details
Translation: interchangeable; exchangeable; swappable; replaceable
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'intercambiar' (to exchange, to interchange) plus the suffix '-able' (indicating capability). The verb 'intercambiar' comes from Latin 'inter' (between) and 'cambiare' (to change, to exchange). The English cognate 'interchangeable' follows the same Latin roots and construction, making this a transparent cognate for English speakers.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Estas piezas son intercambiables, así que puedes usar cualquiera de ellas.
These parts are interchangeable, so you can use any of them.
Los roles en el equipo son intercambiables según las necesidades del proyecto.
The roles in the team are interchangeable according to the project's needs.
Las baterías de esta marca son intercambiables con las de la otra.
The batteries of this brand are interchangeable with those of the other one.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'inter' (between) + 'cambiar' (to change) + 'able' (can be done) = something that can be changed between places or positions.
- Remember the English word 'interchangeable' which looks and means almost exactly the same thing.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in technical, commercial, and everyday contexts when referring to items or components that can be exchanged for one another without affecting functionality.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Intercambiable' is an adjective meaning 'interchangeable', while 'intercambio' is a noun meaning 'exchange' or 'interchange'.
Notes: Remember that 'intercambiable' describes something that can be exchanged, while 'intercambio' is the actual act or process of exchanging.
Mnemonic: 'Intercambiable' ends with '-able' like many adjectives in both Spanish and English that indicate capability.
Explanation: 'Intercambiable' specifically refers to things that can be exchanged with each other (mutual exchange), while 'cambiable' more generally means 'changeable' or something that can be changed or altered.
Confused word:
Su opinión es cambiable según las circunstancias.
His opinion is changeable depending on the circumstances.
Notes: 'Intercambiable' has a more specific meaning related to substitution between items, while 'cambiable' is broader.
Mnemonic: 'Inter-' adds the meaning of 'between' or 'among', suggesting mutual exchange.