solucionar
Lemma Details
Translation: to solve; to resolve; to fix; to find a solution
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'solutio' (loosening, solution) and the suffix '-ar' (indicating a verb). Related to the English words 'solution' and 'solve'. The Latin root 'solvere' means 'to loosen, untie, release, explain'. This etymology reflects the idea that solving a problem is like untying a knot or releasing something that was bound.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think 'solution' + '-ar' = 'to create a solution'
- Imagine dissolving (solving) a problem in a solution (liquid)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
Widely used in both professional and everyday contexts. In Spanish-speaking cultures, there's often an emphasis on finding practical solutions to problems, making this verb quite common in workplace and educational settings.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'to solve', 'solucionar' focuses more on finding a solution to a specific problem, while 'resolver' can have broader applications including making decisions or determining outcomes.
This word:
Vamos a solucionar el problema con el software.
We're going to solve the problem with the software.
Confused word:
El juez resolvió el caso a favor del demandante.
The judge resolved the case in favor of the plaintiff.
Notes: 'Resolver' can sometimes imply more authority or finality in the decision-making process.
Mnemonic: 'Solucionar' is directly related to 'solución' (solution), while 'resolver' is more about reaching a resolution.
Explanation: 'Solucionar' means to solve a problem, while 'disolver' means to dissolve something physically or to disband an organization.
Notes: Both share the Latin root 'solvere' but have evolved to have distinct meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Disolver' has the prefix 'dis-' indicating separation or breaking apart, while 'solucionar' is about bringing things together into a solution.