negar la derrota
Lemma Details
Translation: to deny defeat; to refuse to admit defeat; to reject loss
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'negar' (to deny, to negate) from Latin 'negare' (to say no, to deny) and 'la derrota' (the defeat), where 'derrota' comes from French 'déroute' and ultimately from Latin 'disrupta' (broken apart). The phrase encapsulates the human tendency to reject acknowledging failure.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
A pesar de la evidencia, el político siguió negando la derrota en las elecciones.
Despite the evidence, the politician continued to deny defeat in the elections.
El equipo negó la derrota hasta el último minuto del partido.
The team refused to admit defeat until the last minute of the match.
Negar la derrota solo prolonga el sufrimiento.
Denying defeat only prolongs the suffering.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'negar' as 'negate' in English - to negate or deny the defeat.
- Visualize someone shaking their head 'no' (negar) while looking at a scoreboard showing a loss (derrota).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is often used in sports contexts but extends to politics, business, and personal situations. In Latin American cultures, particularly in competitive environments like football (soccer), the concept of 'negar la derrota' can be seen as either persistence or stubbornness depending on the context.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'negar la derrota' means to deny or refuse to accept defeat, 'aceptar la derrota' means the opposite - to accept or acknowledge defeat.
Confused word:
El candidato aceptó la derrota con dignidad.
The candidate accepted defeat with dignity.
Notes: These phrases represent opposite attitudes toward failure or loss.
Mnemonic: Negar = No, Aceptar = Yes (to defeat)
Explanation: 'Negar la derrota' specifically refers to refusing to acknowledge a loss, while 'negar la realidad' is broader and means to deny reality in general.
Confused word:
Está negando la realidad de su situación financiera.
He is denying the reality of his financial situation.
Notes: 'Negar la realidad' is more general and can apply to any situation, not just competitive ones.
Mnemonic: Derrota = specific loss, Realidad = broader reality