sollozar
Lemma Details
Translation: to sob; to weep; to whimper
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Sollozar comes from Latin 'subgluttiare', which combined 'sub' (under) and 'gluttiare' (to swallow), referring to the gulping or choking sensation that accompanies sobbing. This reflects the physical act of catching one's breath while crying intensely. The English word 'sob' has a different etymology (from Old English 'sōbbian'), but describes the same emotional expression.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 20%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of the 'so' in 'sollozar' as the sound someone makes when starting to sob: 'so...so...so'
- The double 'l' in 'sollozar' can remind you of tears falling down in pairs
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, emotional expression is often more openly displayed than in some English-speaking cultures. Sollozar describes a specific type of crying that is more intense than regular crying (llorar) but is not considered overly dramatic in emotional contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'llorar' is the general term for crying or weeping, 'sollozar' specifically refers to sobbing with convulsive catching of the breath. 'Llorar' can range from silent tears to loud crying, while 'sollozar' always involves audible, gasping sobs.
This word:
Sollozaba incontrolablemente en el funeral.
She was sobbing uncontrollably at the funeral.
Notes: 'Sollozar' implies a more intense emotional state than general 'llorar'.
Mnemonic: Sollozar has 'z' like the sound of gasping for air while sobbing; llorar is simpler like simple crying.
Explanation: 'Sollozar' (to sob) involves crying with convulsive breaths, while 'suspirar' means to sigh, which is a deep breath expressing sadness, relief, or longing but without tears.
This word:
Después de recibir la noticia, comenzó a sollozar.
After receiving the news, she began to sob.
Confused word:
Suspiró profundamente al terminar el examen.
She sighed deeply after finishing the exam.
Notes: Both involve distinctive breathing patterns but express very different emotional intensities.
Mnemonic: Suspirar contains 'suspiro' (sigh) - a single breath; sollozar involves repeated gasping breaths with tears.