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

Part of Speech

• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

• /des.kiˈðaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To neglect
• To overlook
• To disregard

Meaning and Usage

"Descuidar" is a verb that means to neglect or to fail to take care of something or someone. It can also imply overlooking a responsibility or duty. The word is used in both spoken and written contexts, and it is relatively common in everyday conversation as well as in literary and formal writing.

Frequency of Use

"Descuidar" is used quite frequently in Spanish, particularly in discussions involving responsibilities, care, and attention to detail. It appears more often in written contexts when used in formal discussions, but it is also common in oral speech, especially in everyday situations.

Example Sentences

1. Es fácil descuidar los detalles cuando tienes prisa.

2. It is easy to neglect the details when you are in a hurry.

3. No debes descuidar tus estudios; son muy importantes para tu futuro.

4. You should not neglect your studies; they are very important for your future.

5. El perro se volvió agresivo porque lo habían descuidado.

6. The dog became aggressive because it had been neglected.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "descuidar" itself may not feature prominently in idiomatic expressions, it is often used in phrases that express neglect or oversight.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Descuidar las obligaciones.
2. To neglect obligations.

3. No puedes descuidar las obligaciones si deseas tener éxito.

   • You cannot neglect your obligations if you want to be successful.

4. Descuidar los consejos.

5. To disregard advice.

6. Al descuidar los consejos de su médico, su salud empeoró.

   • By disregarding his doctor's advice, his health worsened.

7. No descuidar la seguridad.

8. To not neglect safety.

9. Es crucial no descuidar la seguridad en el lugar de trabajo.

   • It is crucial not to neglect safety in the workplace.

10. Descuidar la higiene personal.

11. To neglect personal hygiene.
12. Descuidar la higiene personal puede llevar a problemas de salud.
    • Neglecting personal hygiene can lead to health problems.

Etymology

The verb "descuidar" comes from the prefix "des-" which indicates negation or reversal, and "cuidar," which means "to take care of." Thus, "descuidar" literally means "to not take care of."

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Olvidar (to forget)
• Desatender (to disregard)
• Ignorar (to ignore)

Antonyms

• Cuidar (to take care of)
• Atender (to attend to)
• Vigilar (to monitor)