interrogar
Lemma Details
Translation: to interrogate; to question; to interview; to examine; to query
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'interrogare', composed of 'inter' (between) and 'rogare' (to ask). The English cognate 'interrogate' shares the same Latin root. The prefix 'inter-' suggests an exchange between parties, while 'rogare' is the same root found in words like 'prerogative' and 'arrogant'. The concept implies a formal or thorough questioning process, often with an imbalance of power between the questioner and the questioned.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La policía interrogó al sospechoso durante horas.
The police interrogated the suspect for hours.
El profesor interroga a los estudiantes sobre la lección.
The professor questions the students about the lesson.
Los periodistas interrogaron al ministro sobre el escándalo.
The journalists questioned the minister about the scandal.
Me interrogo sobre las consecuencias de esta decisión.
I question myself about the consequences of this decision.
Mnemonics
- Think of an 'interrogation room' where police officers question suspects - this connects to the formal questioning meaning.
- Notice the 'inter' prefix which suggests interaction between two parties (the questioner and the questioned).
- The word sounds similar to its English cognate 'interrogate', making it easy to remember.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'interrogar' often carries a more formal or official connotation than 'preguntar'. It's commonly associated with legal or police contexts, academic examinations, or journalistic interviews. The term appears frequently in news reports about criminal investigations or political inquiries.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'to ask questions', 'interrogar' implies a more formal, thorough, or official questioning, often with an imbalance of power. 'Preguntar' is more general and casual, used for everyday questions.
Confused word:
Le pregunté la hora a un extraño en la calle.
I asked a stranger on the street for the time.
Notes: In many contexts, using 'interrogar' instead of 'preguntar' can sound overly formal or imply an accusatory tone.
Mnemonic: 'Interrogar' sounds like 'interrogate' which suggests intensity; 'preguntar' is for simple questions.
Explanation: Though they look similar, 'integrar' means 'to integrate' or 'to incorporate', while 'interrogar' means 'to question'. They share some letters but have completely different meanings.
This word:
El juez interrogó al acusado durante el juicio.
The judge questioned the accused during the trial.
Confused word:
Debemos integrar a los nuevos estudiantes en la clase.
We must integrate the new students into the class.
Notes: The prefix 'inter-' in both words means 'between' but the roots are different: 'rogare' (to ask) vs 'grare' (related to wholeness).
Mnemonic: 'Interrogar' has 'terrog' in the middle, think of 'terror' during questioning; 'integrar' has 'tegr' like 'together'.