Adverb
/atropeʎaˈðamente/
The adverb atropelladamente is used in the Spanish language to describe an action done in a rushed or chaotic manner, often implying a lack of careful thought or consideration. It is commonly used to refer to situations where someone is acting hurriedly, possibly leading to mistakes or accidents.
Frequency of Use: This term is not as commonly used as some other adverbs but can be frequently encountered in both oral and written contexts, particularly in narratives or descriptions where urgency is a key factor.
Llegó atropelladamente a la reunión, casi sin aliento.
(He arrived hastily at the meeting, almost out of breath.)
Trabajó atropelladamente en el proyecto y cometió muchos errores.
(He worked hurriedly on the project and made many mistakes.)
El tráfico estaba tan denso que maneje atropelladamente por la ciudad.
(The traffic was so dense that I drove recklessly through the city.)
While atropelladamente itself may not be part of many idiomatic expressions, the root word atropellar (to run over or to knock down) can generate phrases that capture similar meanings of haste and carelessness. Below are some idiomatic expressions involving atropellar:
Atropellar a alguien con las palabras.
(To trample someone with harsh words.)
Ejemplo: A veces, atropellamos a otros con nuestras críticas sin pensar en sus sentimientos.
(Sometimes, we trample others with our criticisms without thinking about their feelings.)
Atropellarse en el lenguaje.
(To trip over one's words.)
Ejemplo: Ella se atropelló en el lenguaje mientras daba su discurso, pero logró terminarlo.
(She tripped over her words while giving her speech, but she managed to finish it.)
Estar atropellado.
(To be overwhelmed or rushed.)
Ejemplo: He estado tan atropellado con el trabajo últimamente que no he tenido tiempo para descansar.
(I have been so overwhelmed with work lately that I haven’t had time to rest.)
The term atropelladamente derives from the root verb atropellar, which comes from the Latin atropellāre. The verb is formed by “a-” indicating direction and "tropellare," meaning to stumble or trample, which gives the meaning of a hasty or reckless action.
Synonyms: - apresuradamente (hurriedly) - de prisa (rushed) - velozmente (swiftly)
Antonyms: - lentamente (slowly) - pausadamente (calmly) - tranquilamente (peacefully)