relleno
Lemma: relleno
Translation: filled; stuffed; padded; full (adjective)
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'rellenar' (to fill), which comes from Latin 're-' (again, intensifier) + 'plenus' (full). The Latin 'plenus' is also the source of English words like 'plenty', 'plenary', and 'replenish'. The 're-' prefix intensifies the meaning, suggesting something filled completely or thoroughly.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'relleno' as 're-lleno' - something that is 'full again' or 'refilled'.
- Connect it to English 'replenish' - both share the Latin root for 'full'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish cuisine, 'relleno' is commonly used to describe dishes where food items are stuffed with other ingredients, such as 'pimientos rellenos' (stuffed peppers) or 'aceitunas rellenas' (stuffed olives). In Mexico, 'chile relleno' is a popular dish consisting of a stuffed chili pepper.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Relleno' specifically refers to something that has been filled or stuffed with something else, while 'lleno' simply means 'full' without necessarily implying that something was put inside.
Confused word:
El vaso está lleno de agua.
The glass is full of water.
Notes: 'Relleno' is often used for food preparations, while 'lleno' is more general.
Mnemonic: 'Relleno' has the prefix 're-', suggesting something that has been actively filled, while 'lleno' is just the state of being full.
Explanation: Though they look somewhat similar, 'relleno' means 'filled/stuffed' while 'reliquia' means 'relic' or 'keepsake'.
Notes: The words have completely different meanings and contexts of use.
Mnemonic: 'Reliquia' relates to relics and antiquities, while 'relleno' relates to filling something.