acicalar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/asa.kiˈlaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To groom
• To tidy up
• To adorn

Meaning and Usage

The term "acicalar" primarily means to groom or tidy up, often in reference to improving one’s appearance or the appearance of something. It can be applied to both people (primarily in terms of personal grooming) and objects or spaces (cleaning or beautifying them). It is used frequently in both oral and written contexts, though it may be more prevalent in written forms due to its formal connotation.

Frequency of Use

"Acicalar" is a moderately used term in everyday conversations, especially concerning discussions about cleanliness, grooming, or aesthetics. However, it may not be as common in casual speech as simpler synonyms like "ordenar" (to tidy) or "limpiar" (to clean).

Example Sentences

1. Ella se acicaló antes de la fiesta.

2. She groomed herself before the party.

3. Es importante acicalar a los animales antes de mostrarlos en la feria.

4. It is important to groom the animals before showing them at the fair.

5. Decidí acicalar mi habitación para que se vea más acogedora.

6. I decided to tidy up my room so that it looks cozier.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "acicalar" may not appear in many fixed idiomatic expressions, it can be used in different contexts for personal enhancement or beautification.

1. Acicalar las palabras
2. (To polish the words) - This refers to refining one’s speech or writing to make it more presentable.
3. Es recomendable acicalar las palabras antes de presentar tu proyecto.

4. (It is advisable to polish your words before presenting your project.)

5. Acicalar el ambiente

6. (To tidy up the atmosphere) - Suggests improving the mood or aesthetics of a place.
7. Tenemos que acicalar el ambiente de la oficina para hacerla más agradable.

8. (We need to tidy up the atmosphere of the office to make it more pleasant.)

9. Acicalar el comportamiento

10. (To refine the behavior) - Implies improving or correcting one's manners or conduct.
11. Es esencial acicalar el comportamiento en situaciones formales.
12. (It is essential to refine behavior in formal situations.)

Etymology

The verb "acicalar" originates from the late Latin word "cicalare," which means "to adorn or to embellish." Its evolution in the Spanish language maintains a similar meaning focused on grooming and beautification.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Ornamental
• Adornar (to adorn)
• Engalanar (to decorate)

Antonyms

• Desaliñar (to neglect appearance)
• Desordenar (to mess up)
• Suciar (to dirty)

In conclusion, "acicalar" is a versatile Spanish verb primarily associated with grooming and tidying. It has connotations of enhancement and beautification, applicable to both people and spaces.