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

Part of Speech

The word "babel" is a noun.

Phonetic Transcription

/babel/

Translation Options into English

• Babel
• Confusion (in contexts referring to a mixture of languages or chaos)

Meaning and Usage

In the Spanish language, "babel" refers to a situation of confusion, chaos, or a mixing of languages, typically evoking the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, where humanity's attempt to build a tower to the heavens results in God confusing their language, leading to a loss of mutual understanding.

The word is commonly used in colloquial contexts, primarily in oral speech since it conveys a vivid image of misunderstanding or multicultural dialogue. It may not be as frequently encountered in formal writing unless discussing topics related to language, culture, or biblical references.

Example Sentences

1. El viaje a la ciudad era un verdadero babel de idiomas y culturas.
   The trip to the city was a true babel of languages and cultures.

2. En la fiesta, se sentía como en un babel, con tantas personas hablando diferentes lenguas.
   At the party, it felt like babel, with so many people speaking different languages.

3. Tras el discurso, se desató un babel entre los asistentes que no conseguían ponerse de acuerdo.
   After the speech, a babel erupted among the attendees who couldn't reach an agreement.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "babel" itself may not be a common component of set idiomatic expressions, it embodies the concept of confusion or misunderstanding in dialogue. Here are a few idiomatic expressions that relate to the themes of confusion or chaos, and incorporate "babel":

1. Babel de voces: La discusión se convirtió en un babel de voces, y nadie podía entender nada.
   The discussion turned into a babel of voices, and no one could understand anything.

2. Atravesar un babel: Nunca había atravesado un babel tan grande como el que experimenté en el festival de música.
   I had never gone through such a babel as the one I experienced at the music festival.

3. Hacer un babel: En la reunión, algunos participantes comenzaron a hacer un babel haciendo preguntas al mismo tiempo.
   In the meeting, some participants started to make a babel by asking questions at the same time.

Etymology

The term "babel" is derived from the biblical narrative found in Genesis 11:1-9, where the Tower of Babel is described as a construction by humanity to reach heaven. In response to their ambition, God confounded their language, leading to chaos and misunderstanding. The term has since evolved to symbolize any setting or event filled with confusion or a mix of languages.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Confusión - Caos - Desorden

Antonyms: - Orden - Claridad - Concordia