portal
Lemma Details
Translation: portal; doorway; gateway; entrance; web portal
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Medieval Latin 'portale', derived from Latin 'porta' meaning 'gate'. The English word 'portal' shares the same Latin root, making it a direct cognate. The word evolved to describe grand entrances to buildings, particularly churches and palaces, and later expanded to metaphorical gateways including digital access points like websites.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El portal de la iglesia es muy antiguo.
The church portal is very old.
Accedió a la información a través del portal web del gobierno.
He accessed the information through the government web portal.
Los niños jugaban en el portal del edificio.
The children were playing in the building's entrance hall.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'portal' as a 'port' where you can 'all' enter - portal.
- Visualize a magical doorway that 'ports all' people to another place.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish architecture, 'portal' often refers to the grand entrances of historic buildings, particularly in colonial architecture throughout Latin America. In modern usage, it's commonly used for digital platforms that serve as entry points to information or services.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Portal' is a noun meaning 'entrance' or 'gateway', while 'portar' is a verb meaning 'to carry' or 'to bear'.
This word:
El portal de la casa está decorado con flores.
The entrance of the house is decorated with flowers.
Confused word:
Necesito portar mi identificación en todo momento.
I need to carry my identification at all times.
Notes: The noun 'portal' relates to places and entrances, while the verb 'portar' relates to the action of carrying something.
Mnemonic: 'Portal' ends with 'al' like 'local' - both are places; 'portar' ends with 'ar' like many Spanish verbs - it's an action.
Explanation: While both refer to architectural features, 'portal' is a doorway or entrance, whereas 'pórtico' specifically refers to a porch or portico supported by columns.
This word:
Entramos al edificio por el portal principal.
We entered the building through the main entrance.
Notes: 'Portal' is more general and can refer to any type of entrance, while 'pórtico' is specifically a covered entrance supported by columns.
Mnemonic: Think of 'pórtico' as containing 'port' + 'ico' - the 'ico' suggests something more elaborate, like the columned structure it represents.