sufragar
Lemma Details
Translation: to pay for; to fund; to cover expenses; to vote; to defray
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'suffragari', meaning 'to support with one's vote' or 'to vote for'. The Latin term 'suffragium' referred to a voting tablet or ballot, and later to the right to vote itself. The financial meaning evolved from the concept of 'supporting' something, whether with votes or with money. English cognates include 'suffrage' (the right to vote) and 'suffragist' (someone who advocates for voting rights).
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 60%
Register: formal
Example Usage
El gobierno sufragará los gastos de la reconstrucción.
The government will cover the expenses of the reconstruction.
Los ciudadanos tienen el derecho de sufragar en las elecciones.
Citizens have the right to vote in elections.
La empresa sufragó los costos del viaje de negocios.
The company paid for the business trip costs.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'suffrage' (voting rights) to remember the voting meaning.
- The 'suf' in 'sufragar' sounds like 'sufficient' - you need sufficient funds to sufragar (pay for) something.
- Imagine someone saying 'I suffer to pay' (sufragar sounds a bit like 'suffer' + 'pagar').
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'sufragar' is commonly used in political contexts related to voting and elections, as well as in financial contexts when discussing who will pay for expenses, especially in formal or official settings. The voting meaning is particularly important in discussions of democratic processes.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Sufragar' means 'to pay for' or 'to vote', while 'sufrir' means 'to suffer' or 'to endure'.
Confused word:
Tuvo que sufrir las consecuencias de sus acciones.
He had to suffer the consequences of his actions.
Notes: Despite the similar sound and spelling, these verbs have completely different meanings and uses.
Mnemonic: 'Sufragar' ends with '-gar' (like 'pagar' - to pay), while 'sufrir' ends with '-ir' (like 'sentir' pain).
Explanation: 'Sufragar' means 'to pay for' or 'to vote', while 'naufragar' means 'to shipwreck' or 'to fail'.
Notes: Both are formal verbs but used in completely different contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Naufragar' contains 'nau-' (related to ships, like 'nautical'), while 'sufragar' relates to 'suffrage' (voting).