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

Part of Speech

Empeorar is a verb in the infinitive form.

Phonetic Transcription

/empoeˈɾaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To worsen
• To deteriorate
• To get worse

Meaning and Usage

Empeorar means to make something worse or to deteriorate in quality or condition. This verb is typically used in both everyday conversation and written contexts, although it may appear more frequently in written form, especially in academic or formal discussions about conditions, health, or situations that are worsening.

Example Sentences

1. La situación en la ciudad empeoró después de la tormenta.

2. The situation in the city worsened after the storm.

3. No quiero que mi salud empeore con el tiempo.

4. I don’t want my health to worsen over time.

5. Las condiciones laborales han empeorado durante la pandemia.

6. Working conditions have worsened during the pandemic.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Empeorar" can be found in several colloquial expressions in Spanish:

1. Empeorar las cosas
2. Significado: To make things worse

3. Ejemplo: No hable así, solo va a empeorar las cosas.

   • Don’t speak like that; you will only make things worse.

4. Empeorar la situación

5. Significado: To worsen the situation

6. Ejemplo: Si no llegamos a un acuerdo, solo vamos a empeorar la situación.

   • If we don’t reach an agreement, we will only worsen the situation.

7. Empeorar de salud

8. Significado: To get worse in health

9. Ejemplo: Su condición ha empeorado de salud en los últimos días.

   • His condition has worsened in health in the last few days.

10. Empeorar por momentos

11. Significado: To worsen by the moment
12. Ejemplo: El clima está empeorando por momentos, deberíamos irnos.
    • The weather is worsening by the moment; we should leave.

Etymology

The verb empeorar comes from the prefix "em-" which often indicates a change towards something, and "peorar," which is derived from the adjective "peor," meaning "worse." The roots lie in the Latin word "peiorare," which also means "to make worse."

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Deteriorar - Agravar - Desmejorar

Antonyms: - Mejorar - Progresar - Avanzar

This comprehensive overview covers the various aspects of the word "empeorar," its meanings, usage, idiomatic expressions, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms.