íntegro
Lemma Details
Translation: whole; complete; entire; integral; honest; upright; incorruptible
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'integer' meaning 'whole, complete, untouched', which comes from 'in-' (not) + 'tangere' (to touch), literally meaning 'untouched, intact'. The English cognate 'integrity' shares this root, both referring to wholeness and moral soundness. The dual meaning in Spanish of both 'complete/whole' and 'morally upright' preserves the original Latin semantic range.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Necesitamos el informe íntegro, no solo un resumen.
We need the complete report, not just a summary.
El juez tiene una reputación de ser íntegro e imparcial.
The judge has a reputation for being upright and impartial.
Entregó el proyecto íntegro antes de la fecha límite.
He delivered the entire project before the deadline.
Es una persona íntegra en quien puedes confiar.
He/She is a person of integrity whom you can trust.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'integrity' in English - both words share the same Latin root and similar meanings.
- The accent on the first 'í' emphasizes the 'in-' prefix meaning 'not', as in 'not touched/corrupted'.
- Picture an 'integer' (whole number) to remember the 'whole/complete' meaning.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, being 'íntegro' is highly valued and often associated with professional ethics and personal character. It's frequently used in professional contexts to describe someone who is trustworthy and ethically sound. The concept is important in both business and political discourse.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both 'íntegro' and 'entero' can mean 'whole' or 'complete', 'íntegro' carries the additional meaning of moral integrity or honesty, which 'entero' does not. 'Entero' is more commonly used for physical completeness.
Notes: 'Íntegro' is more formal and often used in ethical contexts, while 'entero' is more common in everyday speech for physical wholeness.
Mnemonic: 'Íntegro' has an accent mark, highlighting its special moral dimension that 'entero' lacks.
Explanation: 'Íntegro' means 'whole/honest' while 'integrado' means 'integrated/incorporated'. They share the same root but have different applications.
This word:
Es un hombre íntegro que siempre dice la verdad.
He is an honest man who always tells the truth.
Confused word:
El inmigrante está bien integrado en la sociedad.
The immigrant is well integrated into society.
Notes: 'Integrado' focuses on the process of becoming part of something, while 'íntegro' describes an inherent quality.
Mnemonic: 'Integrado' has the '-ado' ending typical of past participles, indicating something that has undergone a process.