/siˈmjentos/
The word cimientos refers to the foundations or groundwork upon which something is built; in a literal sense, it is commonly used in construction and architecture to describe the base of a structure. In a metaphorical sense, it can be used in legal contexts to refer to the foundational principles or elements that support laws or legal frameworks.
The term is fairly common in written Spanish, particularly in technical and legal documents, although it can also appear in oral discourse, especially in discussions related to construction, philosophy, or law.
The foundations of this building are very solid.
Es esencial tener unos cimientos legales fuertes para proteger los derechos de los ciudadanos.
It is essential to have strong legal foundations to protect the rights of citizens.
La educación es uno de los cimientos más importantes en el desarrollo de una sociedad.
In Spanish, cimientos is not a common component of idiomatic expressions, but it does relate to several phrases that imply foundational aspects or elements in various contexts.
"To lay the foundations" means to establish the bases for something important.
“Cimientos sólidos” se refiere a algo que está bien fundamentado.
"Solid foundations" refers to something that is well-founded.
“Sin cimientos” implica una falta de base o fundamento en un argumento.
"Without foundations" implies a lack of basis or foundation in an argument.
“Cimientos del conocimiento” sugiere los principios básicos que sustentan el aprendizaje.
The word cimientos comes from the Latin root "caementa," which refers to fragments or stones used in construction. The evolution of the word reflects its connection to building and the essential base needed for structures, both physical and conceptual.
This comprehensive overview provides a detailed understanding of the term cimientos and its relevance across various domains, particularly in law and construction.