Noun
/a'seɪ̯.te/
The word "aceite" generally refers to an oily or greasy substance, most often in the context of cooking (like vegetable oil) or lubrication in mechanical contexts. It is frequently used in both oral speech and written contexts, particularly in recipes, health discussions, or machinery manuals. Its frequency of use is high due to its common applications in daily life.
El aceite de oliva es muy saludable.
Olive oil is very healthy.
Necesito aceite para engrasar la máquina.
I need oil to lubricate the machine.
El chef agregó un poco más de aceite al sartén.
The chef added a little more oil to the frying pan.
The word "aceite" is often used in idiomatic expressions in Spanish to convey various meanings:
Echar aceite al fuego.
To add oil to the fire (to make a situation worse).
La discusión se volvió más intensa cuando él echó aceite al fuego.
The discussion became more intense when he added fuel to the fire.
Poner aceite en las ruedas.
To put oil on the wheels (to grease someone or something to ensure smooth operation).
Hay que poner aceite en las ruedas de esta negociación para que avance más rápido.
It is necessary to grease the wheels of this negotiation for it to advance faster.
Ser un aceite.
To be an oil (to be smooth or slippery, often used to describe someone who is untrustworthy).
Ten cuidado con él, es un aceite en los negocios.
Be careful with him; he is quite slippery in business.
Más vale un aceite que mil palabras.
A good deed is worth a thousand words.
En esta vida, más vale un aceite que mil palabras.
In this life, a good deed is worth a thousand words.
The word "aceite" comes from the Arabic "الزيت" (az-zayt), which means oil. It reflects the cultural interactions and influences during the medieval period in Spain when Arabic was a prominent language due to the Moorish occupation.
Synonyms:
aceituna (olive), grasa (fat), lubricante (lubricant)
Antonyms:
secura (dryness), deshidratación (dehydration)
This comprehensive look at "aceite" covers its use in various contexts, idiomatic expressions, and its etymological background, highlighting its importance in the Spanish language.