olvidar
Lemma Details
Translation: to forget; to overlook; to leave behind; to neglect
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Olvidar comes from Vulgar Latin *oblitare, derived from Latin oblitus, the past participle of oblivisci ('to forget'). The Latin term is composed of ob- ('against, over') and a root related to levis ('smooth'), suggesting the idea of something slipping from the mind. English words like 'oblivion' and 'oblivious' share this Latin root, making a helpful connection for English speakers.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Connect 'olvidar' with 'oblivion' in English - both relate to things being forgotten or lost.
- Think of 'olvidar' as 'all-vee-dar' - imagine 'all we dare' to remember slipping away.
- The 'ol' in 'olvidar' can remind you of 'old' - old memories that fade away.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'olvidar' is often used in emotional contexts about relationships and memories. The phrase 'olvidar el pasado' (to forget the past) is common in discussions about moving forward from difficult situations or historical events.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'olvidar' means 'to forget', 'recordar' means the opposite: 'to remember'. They are antonyms but sometimes confused by learners because both deal with memory.
This word:
Olvidé su cumpleaños.
I forgot his birthday.
Confused word:
Recordé su cumpleaños.
I remembered his birthday.
Notes: These verbs often appear in similar contexts but with opposite meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Recordar' contains 'record', like recording something in your memory; 'olvidar' relates to 'oblivion', where memories disappear.
Explanation: 'Olvidar' means to forget mentally, while 'dejar' means to leave something physically or to allow something.
Confused word:
Dejé mi paraguas en el restaurante a propósito.
I deliberately left my umbrella at the restaurant.
Notes: Sometimes the result is the same (something is left behind), but the intention differs.
Mnemonic: Think of 'dejar' as 'deliberately leaving' while 'olvidar' is 'obliviously leaving'.