sólido
Lemma Details
Translation: solid; firm; stable; reliable; sound; substantial
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'solidus' meaning 'firm, whole, undivided'. This Latin root also gave English 'solid', 'soldier' (originally one who was paid in solid coins), 'solder' (to make solid), and 'consolidate'. The Latin 'solidus' was also a gold coin in the late Roman Empire, giving us the word 'sou' and the symbol for shilling (s). The root connects to the idea of something complete, unbroken, and dependable.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Esta mesa está hecha de madera sólida.
This table is made of solid wood.
Tienen un matrimonio muy sólido.
They have a very solid marriage.
La empresa tiene una posición financiera sólida.
The company has a solid financial position.
Necesitamos pruebas más sólidas para el caso.
We need more solid evidence for the case.
El hielo es agua en estado sólido.
Ice is water in solid state.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'solid' object - the Spanish word is almost identical to the English.
- The accent on the 'ó' makes the word sound stronger, just like something solid is strong.
- SOL (sun) + IDO (gone) - something solid remains even when the sun is gone (it doesn't evaporate).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish, 'sólido' is used in many contexts similar to English 'solid', from describing physical states of matter to metaphorical uses like reliable relationships or sound arguments. It's commonly used in business and economic contexts to describe stable companies or financial positions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'sólido' means 'solid', 'soldado' means 'soldier'. They share a Latin root but have different meanings.
Notes: Both words come from Latin 'solidus', but 'soldado' evolved through the concept of someone who received solid payment (coins) for military service.
Mnemonic: 'Sólido' has an accent and refers to something firm; 'soldado' has no accent and refers to a person who serves in the military.
Explanation: 'Sólido' means 'solid' while 'salido' is the past participle of 'salir' meaning 'gone out' or 'emerged'.
Confused word:
Ha salido temprano del trabajo.
He has left work early.
Notes: The stress falls on different syllables: SÓ-li-do vs. sa-LI-do.
Mnemonic: 'Sólido' has an 'o' as its second letter and refers to something firm; 'salido' has an 'a' as its second letter and refers to something that has exited.