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

Part of speech

Verb

Phonetic transcription

/desaɡɾaðeˈθeɾ/

Translation options

• To be ungrateful
• To show ingratitude

Meaning

The word "desagradecer" is a verb in Spanish that means to behave or show ingratitude towards someone or something. It is used to express the lack of appreciation or thankfulness towards a person or a gesture. This word is more commonly used in both oral and written contexts in Spanish, although it may be more frequent in written language due to its formal nature.

Example sentences

1. Ella desagradeció el gesto de su amigo que le prestó dinero.
   Translation: She showed ingratitude towards her friend's gesture of lending her money.

2. Nunca debemos desagradecer los favores que nos hacen.
   Translation: We should never be ungrateful for the favors people do for us.

Idiomatic expressions

• Desagradecido como una mula: Ungrateful as a mule (used to describe someone who never appreciates what others do for them).
• Desagradecer con la lengua en la mejilla: To thank with the tongue in the cheek (to thank someone insincerely).
• Desagradecer el pan y la sal: To be ungrateful for the bread and salt (rejecting someone's kindness or hospitality).
• Desagradecerlo a la mínima: To be ungrateful at the slightest thing.
• Desagradecer a quien te ayuda: To be ungrateful to those who help you.

Example sentences with idiomatic expressions

1. No le prestes más dinero, siempre es desagradecido como una mula.
   Translation: Don't lend him more money, he's always ungrateful as a mule.

2. Dice que me ayudará, pero siempre lo hará desagradeciendo con la lengua en la mejilla.
   Translation: He says he will help me, but he will always do it insincerely.

Etymology

The word "desagradecer" comes from the prefix "des-" (indicating negation) and "agradecer" (to thank), ultimately derived from Latin roots. It combines the idea of reversing the action of showing gratitude.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:
- Ingratitude - Unthankfulness

Antonyms:
- Agradecer (to thank) - Reconocer (to acknowledge)