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

Part of Speech

The word "cometa" is a noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

The phonetic transcription of "cometa" using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /koˈmeta/.

Translation Options into English

The word "cometa" primarily translates to "comet" in English. It can also refer to "kite" in the context of a toy that flies in the wind.

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, "cometa" most commonly refers to a celestial object composed of ice, dust, and rocky material that, when close to the Sun, displays a visible atmosphere and sometimes a tail due to solar radiation and wind. This astronomical term is frequently used in both oral and written contexts.

The second meaning refers to a toy or recreational item that consists of a light frame covered in thin material, flown in the air by means of a string, commonly known as a kite.

The frequency of use for "cometa" in the astronomical context is moderate in scientific discourse, while in the context of kites, it is more prevalent in discussions related to children's play and outdoor activities.

Example Sentences

1. Cometa: "El cometa Halley vuelve a ser visible desde la Tierra cada 76 años."

2. "Halley's comet is visible from Earth every 76 years."

3. Cometa: "Los niños volaron sus cometas en el parque durante toda la tarde."

4. "The children flew their kites in the park all afternoon."

Idiomatic Expressions

While "cometa" is not particularly known for widely used idiomatic expressions, it can appear in some phrases and contexts that relate to its meanings.

Example Idiomatic Sentences

1. "Después de tantos años, la noticia de su regreso fue como un cometa en el cielo."

2. "After so many years, the news of his return was like a comet in the sky." (This could metaphorically refer to something rare and spectacular.)

3. "Por fin armaron la cometa, aunque el viento no estaba de su lado."

4. "They finally put together the kite, although the wind wasn't on their side." (Indicates misfortune or bad luck in achieving what one desires.)

5. "Pensar en el futuro sin un plan es como dejar que un cometa vuele sin rumbo."

6. "Thinking about the future without a plan is like letting a comet fly aimlessly." (Suggests the importance of having direction in life.)

Etymology

The word "cometa" comes from the latinate "cometa," which in turn derives from the Greek "komētēs" (κομήτης), meaning "hairy," referring to the hair-like appearance of a comet’s tail when observed. The use of "cometa" to refer to a kite is a later development, possibly influenced by the visual similarity to the celestial body.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• For "comet":

• "cómete" (less commonly used)

• For "kite":

• "cometa" (referring to the toy: can be interchangeable)

Antonyms

• There are no direct antonyms, as "cometa" refers to specific celestial or toy objects. However, if considering celestial terms:
• "asteroide" (asteroid) can be seen as a contrasting celestial object that does not have the same characteristics as a comet.

This comprehensive information encapsulates the various meanings, usage contexts, and linguistic insights regarding the word "cometa" in the Spanish language.