The word delincuente is a noun.
/deliŋ'kwente/
The term delincuente refers to a person who commits a crime or engages in unlawful behavior. In the legal context, it is often used to describe individuals involved in criminal activities, highlighting their role as offenders against societal laws. The word is frequently used in both oral and written Spanish but tends to appear more in written contexts, particularly in legal documents, news articles, and academic discussions about crime.
Delincuente is a commonly used term in both everyday conversation and formal language, especially within discussions regarding criminal justice, law enforcement, and societal issues related to crime.
"El delincuente fue capturado justo después de cometer el robo."
"The delinquent was captured right after committing the robbery."
"La policía arrestó a un delincuente responsable de varios delitos."
"The police arrested a delinquent responsible for several offenses."
"Es importante rehabilitar a los delincuentes para reducir la reincidencia."
"It is important to rehabilitate delinquents to reduce recidivism."
While delincuente itself may not be a primary component in many idiomatic expressions, its avoidance is generally recommended in contexts focusing on crime. However, it can be associated with phrases highlighting the characteristics of offenders or discussions about crime prevention.
"No todos los delincuentes son peligrosos, algunos son víctimas de sus circunstancias."
"Not all delinquents are dangerous; some are victims of their circumstances."
"La sociedad debe encontrar formas de reintegrar a los delincuentes."
"Society must find ways to reintegrate delinquents."
"Los delincuentes juveniles a menudo son producto de un entorno familiar inestable."
"Juvenile delinquents are often a product of an unstable family environment."
The word delincuente comes from the Latin root "delinquens," which is the present participle of "delinquere," meaning "to fail, to offend." The prefix "de-" relates to a downward or negative action, while "linquere" refers to abandoning or leaving behind.
This comprehensive breakdown provides an in-depth look at the term delincuente, covering its meaning, usage, and context within the Spanish language and its translation into English.