valor
Lemma Details
Translation: value; worth; courage; bravery; valor
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'valor, valoris', meaning 'worth, value, strength', derived from 'valere' (to be strong, to be worth). The English word 'valor' is a direct cognate, though in English it primarily refers to courage while in Spanish it retains both meanings of worth/value and courage. The Latin root 'valere' also gave English words like 'value', 'valid', 'valiant', and 'evaluate'.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Este anillo tiene mucho valor para mí.
This ring has a lot of value for me.
Demostró gran valor al enfrentarse al peligro.
He showed great courage when facing danger.
El valor de mercado de la casa ha aumentado.
The market value of the house has increased.
No tengo el valor para decirle la verdad.
I don't have the courage to tell him the truth.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'valuable' person showing courage - valor connects to both value and bravery.
- Remember the English word 'valor' (courage) but add the economic meaning of 'value' to it.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'valor' is highly regarded as both a material concept (economic value) and a personal quality (courage). The concept of 'valor' as courage is particularly important in traditional Hispanic cultures where bravery and honor are considered essential masculine virtues.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Valor' means value or courage, while 'dolor' means pain or grief. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: These words are often confused by beginners due to their similar spelling and pronunciation.
Mnemonic: 'Valor' has an 'a' like 'brave', while 'dolor' has an 'o' like 'ouch' (pain).
Explanation: 'Valor' is the noun (value/courage), while 'valer' is the verb (to be worth).
Notes: They are related words from the same root, but different parts of speech.
Mnemonic: 'Valor' ends in '-or' like many Spanish nouns, while 'valer' ends in '-er' like many Spanish verbs.