nublar
Lemma Details
Translation: to cloud; to darken; to obscure; to blur; to dim
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'nubilare' meaning 'to be cloudy', which comes from 'nubilus' (cloudy) and ultimately from 'nubes' (cloud). The English words 'nebula' and 'nebulous' share this Latin root, all referring to cloudiness or haziness. The connection between Spanish 'nublar' and English 'nebulous' helps illustrate how both languages preserved the concept of cloudiness from their Latin origins.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'nublar' as related to 'nebula' in English - both involve cloudiness or haziness.
- Remember 'nube' (cloud) + '-ar' (verb ending) = 'nublar' (to cloud).
- Visualize clouds covering the sun to remember that 'nublar' means to darken or obscure.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish literature and poetry, 'nublar' is often used metaphorically to describe emotional states, particularly sadness or confusion clouding one's thoughts or judgment.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'nublar' means 'to cloud or darken', 'nevar' means 'to snow'. They might be confused because both relate to weather phenomena and have similar sounds.
Notes: Both verbs are often used when describing weather conditions, but 'nublar' refers specifically to cloudiness or darkening, while 'nevar' refers to snowfall.
Mnemonic: 'Nublar' has 'nub' which sounds like 'nube' (cloud), while 'nevar' has 'nev' which sounds like 'nieve' (snow).
Explanation: 'Nublar' and 'anublar' are very similar in meaning (both mean 'to cloud'), but 'anublar' is sometimes considered more intense or complete. 'Anublar' is simply 'nublar' with the prefix 'a-'.
Notes: In many contexts, these verbs can be used interchangeably, but 'anublar' sometimes carries a sense of more complete or thorough clouding.
Mnemonic: Think of 'anublar' as 'a' (completely) + 'nublar' (to cloud) = to completely cloud over.