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

Part of Speech

The word "desmenuzar" is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/des.me.nuˈθaɾ/ (in Spain) /dɛs.meˈnu.saɾ/ (in Latin America)

Translation Options into English

• To crumble
• To shred
• To break down
• To dismantle
• To analyze in detail

Meaning and Usage

"Desmenuzar" refers to the action of breaking something into smaller pieces, crumbling it, or shredding it, such as food. In a metaphorical sense, it can also mean analyzing or breaking down ideas or information into smaller, more comprehensible parts. The word is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, although it may appear slightly more often in culinary or technical discussions in written format.

Example Sentences

1. Con paciencia, desmenuzaré el pollo para la ensalada.
   With patience, I will shred the chicken for the salad.

2. Es importante desmenuzar los conceptos antes de escribir el informe.
   It is important to break down the concepts before writing the report.

3. Para hacer la salsa, primero hay que desmenuzar el queso.
   To make the sauce, you first need to crumble the cheese.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "desmenuzar" is less commonly used in idiomatic expressions, but it does appear in more metaphorical contexts regarding the analysis of ideas or problems. Here are some examples:

1. Desmenuzar un problema
   To break down a problem
   El equipo decidió desmenuzar el problema para encontrar la solución.
   The team decided to break down the problem to find the solution.

2. Desmenuzar la información
   To analyze the information in detail
   Es esencial desmenuzar la información antes de tomar una decisión.
   It is essential to analyze the information in detail before making a decision.

3. Desmenuzar los argumentos
   To dissect the arguments
   El abogado necesitaba desmenuzar los argumentos de la otra parte.
   The lawyer needed to dissect the arguments from the other side.

Etymology

The word "desmenuzar" comes from the prefix "des-" meaning "to undo" or "to reverse", combined with "menúzar," which is derived from the Latin "minutiare," meaning "to make small or to cut up." The etymology indicates the action of unmaking into smaller pieces.

Synonyms

• Deshacer (to undo)
• Triturar (to grind)
• Romper (to break)

Antonyms

• Reunir (to gather)
• Unir (to unite)
• Consolidar (to consolidate)

This comprehensive overview of the word "desmenuzar" encompasses its meanings, use cases, idiomatic expressions, and etymology, enhancing the understanding of its significance in both general and technical contexts.