The verb "bordear" is primarily used to indicate the action of bordering something, which can refer to physically outlining or being adjacent to a particular area or object. In a more abstract context, it can imply skirting around a topic or issue. It is a term frequently used in both oral and written contexts, particularly in geographical discussions, artistic descriptions, and nautical terms.
"Bordear" is moderately frequent in the Spanish language, particularly in contexts involving physical proximity, boundaries, or when discussing strategy in various fields. It may be more commonly encountered in written forms such as literature or geography.
Voy a bordear el lago durante toda la tarde.
(I am going to edge around the lake all afternoon.)
El arquitecto decidió bordear la casa con un jardín.
(The architect decided to border the house with a garden.)
Es importante bordear el tema con mucha delicadeza.
(It is important to skirt the topic with great sensitivity.)
Although "bordear" is not predominantly featured in many idiomatic expressions, it may appear in phrases related to boundaries or limitations. Here are a few examples:
Ella siempre bordea la línea entre lo permisible y lo prohibido.
(She always skirts the line between what is permissible and what is forbidden.)
Bordear un problema:
This implies dealing with an issue indirectly.
A veces es mejor bordear un problema que enfrentarlo directamente.
(Sometimes it is better to skirt around a problem than to face it directly.)
Bordear la locura:
This expression indicates getting close to madness or an extreme situation.
The term "bordear" comes from the Spanish noun "borde," which means "edge" or "border." The verb form incorporates the action of being near or along the border.
Synonyms: - Limitar (to limit) - Delimitar (to delimit) - Rodear (to surround)
Antonyms: - Interiorizar (to internalize) - Aislar (to isolate)