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

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/dɛs.konˈfi.aɾ/

Translation Options into English

• to distrust
• to be suspicious of

Meaning and Usage

"Desconfiar" is a Spanish verb that means to have a lack of confidence or trust in someone or something. It is commonly used in contexts where a person feels suspicion or doubt towards another’s intentions, actions, or credibility.

• Frequency of use: The word is relatively common in both oral and written contexts, although it may appear more in conversations about relationships or trust issues.
• Oral vs Written: It is likely to be encountered more frequently in oral speech due to its direct application in interpersonal communication.

Example Sentences

1. Desconfío de sus intenciones.

2. I distrust his intentions.

3. Es mejor desconfiar de quienes prometen demasiado.

4. It's better to distrust those who promise too much.

5. No deberías desconfiar de tus amigos sin motivos.

6. You shouldn’t distrust your friends without reasons.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Desconfiar" is often used in idiomatic expressions that reflect suspicion or lack of trust. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Desconfiar hasta de la sombra.

2. To distrust even your shadow.
   (Meaning: To be very suspicious, indicating a deep level of mistrust.)

3. Desconfiar en casa ajena.

4. To distrust in someone else's home.
   (Meaning: To be wary or suspicious in environments where one is a guest.)

5. Desconfiar de las promesas vacías.

6. To distrust empty promises.
   (Meaning: To be cautious about unfulfilled assurances.)

7. Quien no desconfía, no es sabio.

8. Who does not distrust is not wise.
   (Meaning: To highlight the importance of being cautious and skeptical.)

9. Desconfiar de las apariencias.

10. To distrust appearances.
    (Meaning: To warn that things may not be what they seem.)

Etymology

The verb "desconfiar" comes from the prefix "des-" which implies a negation or reversal, combined with "confiar," which means "to trust," deriving from the Latin "confīdere." Thus, "desconfiar" literally translates to "not trusting."

Synonyms

• Dudar (to doubt)
• Desconocer (to be unaware)
• Soscobar (to be wary)

Antonyms

• Confiar (to trust)
• Creditar (to credit)

This comprehensive overview of the word "desconfiar" illustrates its usage, meanings, and importance in both everyday conversations and more formal contexts.