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

Part of Speech

"Desempeñar" is a verb in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/ðese.mpeˈñar/

Translation Options into English

• To perform
• To carry out
• To fulfill
• To play (a role)

Meaning and Usage

"Desempeñar" means to execute a task, fulfill a duty, or perform a role or function. It is often used in contexts related to jobs, responsibilities, and roles within various fields including law and economics. The term is fairly frequent in both spoken and written Spanish, though it is commonly found in formal contexts such as academic writings, job descriptions, and legal documents.

Example Sentences

1. Los empleados deben desempeñar sus funciones con responsabilidad.
   (Employees must perform their duties responsibly.)

2. El abogado tiene que desempeñar su papel en el juicio.
   (The lawyer has to play his role in the trial.)

3. Es fundamental desempeñar correctamente cualquier tarea asignada.
   (It is essential to carry out any assigned task correctly.)

Idiomatic Expressions

Though "desempeñar" is not as commonly found in fixed idiomatic expressions as some other verbs, it can still appear in various phrases that highlight roles and responsibilities. Here are some examples:

1. Desempeñar un papel crucial.
   (To play a crucial role.)

2. El ingeniero desempeñó un papel crucial en el desarrollo del nuevo proyecto.
   (The engineer played a crucial role in the development of the new project.)

3. Desempeñar funciones clave.
   (To perform key functions.)

4. El director tiene que desempeñar funciones clave para el éxito de la empresa.
   (The director has to perform key functions for the company's success.)

5. Desempeñar un cargo importante.
   (To hold an important position.)

6. Ella ha desempeñado un cargo importante en la organización durante los últimos cinco años.
   (She has held an important position in the organization for the past five years.)

7. Desempeñar un papel secundario.
   (To play a secondary role.)

8. En la película, el actor desempeñó un papel secundario, pero su actuación fue notable.
   (In the movie, the actor played a secondary role, but his performance was remarkable.)

Etymology

The term "desempeñar" comes from the prefix "des-" indicating reversal or negation and "empeñar," which derives from the Latin "impignare," meaning to pledge or pawn. Thus, "desempeñar" conveys the idea of un-pledging or fulfilling a commitment.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Realizar (to carry out) - Ejecutar (to execute) - Cumplir (to fulfill)

Antonyms: - Abandonar (to abandon) - Descuidar (to neglect) - Evitar (to avoid)