rebotar
Lemma Details
Translation: to bounce; to rebound; to ricochet; to reject; to throw out
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the prefix 're-' (meaning 'again' or 'back') and 'botar' (meaning 'to throw' or 'to bounce'). The prefix 're-' comes from Latin and shares the same meaning in English words like 'return' and 'rebound'. The root 'botar' comes from Germanic origins, related to Middle High German 'bōzen' (to beat or strike). The combination creates the sense of something moving back after striking a surface.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La pelota rebotó contra la pared.
The ball bounced against the wall.
El banco me informó que el cheque rebotó.
The bank informed me that the check bounced.
El jugador rebotó el balón varias veces antes de lanzar.
The player bounced the ball several times before shooting.
Su solicitud fue rebotada por falta de documentación.
His application was rejected due to lack of documentation.
Mnemonics
- Think of 're-boat' - like a boat bouncing back after hitting something in the water.
- Remember 'rebote' sounds like 'robot' - imagine a robot bouncing off walls.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish basketball terminology, 'rebotar' is commonly used to describe grabbing the ball after a missed shot. The term 'cheque rebotado' (bounced check) is used in financial contexts across Spanish-speaking countries, similar to English usage.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'rebotar' means 'to bounce or rebound', 'rotar' means 'to rotate or turn'. They sound similar but describe completely different movements.
Notes: In sports contexts especially, these verbs describe very different actions and cannot be used interchangeably.
Mnemonic: ReBOTar has 'bot' like 'bounce' - things bounce up and down. ROTar has 'rot' like 'rotate' - things turn around.
Explanation: 'Rebotar' implies bouncing back after hitting something, while 'botar' can mean to throw away or discard, though it can also mean to bounce in some contexts.
This word:
La pelota rebotó contra la pared y volvió.
The ball bounced against the wall and came back.
Confused word:
Voy a botar esta basura.
I'm going to throw away this trash.
Notes: In some regions and contexts, 'botar' can also mean to bounce, but 'rebotar' specifically emphasizes the return movement after impact.
Mnemonic: ReBOTar has the prefix 're-' meaning it comes back after bouncing; BOTar alone doesn't necessarily imply return.