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

Part of Speech

Empobrecer is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/em.po.ɾeˈθeɾ/ (Spain) or /em.po.ˈɾe.seɾ/ (Latin America)

Translation Options into English

• To impoverish
• To make poorer

Meaning and Usage

Empobrecer refers to the act of causing someone or something to become poorer in terms of wealth, resources, or conditions. It is commonly used in both general and economic contexts, where it denotes the deterioration of financial status, social conditions, or the reduction of quality.

The frequency of use is moderate; it is more prevalent in written contexts, such as articles, essays, and reports discussing economic issues, though it can also appear in spoken language, particularly in discussions about poverty or welfare.

Example Sentences

1. La crisis económica ha hecho que muchas familias se empobrezcan.

2. The economic crisis has caused many families to impoverish.

3. Las políticas fiscales ineficientes pueden empobrecer a un país entero.

4. Inefficient fiscal policies can impoverish an entire country.

5. El conflicto armado empobreció a la región y desplazó a miles de personas.

6. The armed conflict impoverished the region and displaced thousands of people.

Idiomatic Expressions

Empobrecer is not commonly used in specific idiomatic expressions, but it fits into broader phrases related to socio-economic discussions. However, here are some idiomatic expressions that include 'pobre' (poor) in contexts relevant to the concept of impoverishment:

1. Pobre como una rata
2. Usage: Esta ciudad está llena de personas que viven pobres como una rata.

3. Translation: This city is full of people who live poor as a rat.

4. Ser un pobre diablo

5. Usage: No quiero ser un pobre diablo sin futuro.

6. Translation: I don’t want to be a poor devil with no future.

7. Aguantar la pobreza

8. Usage: Muchos ancianos tienen que aguantar la pobreza con sus pensiones mínimas.
9. Translation: Many elderly people have to endure poverty with their minimal pensions.

Etymology

The term empobrecer stems from the combination of the prefix "em-", which means "to make" or "to put into", and "pobre", which translates to "poor". Thus, "empobrecer" literally means "to make poor".

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Empoverar - Arruinar - Deteriorar

Antonyms: - Enriquecer (to enrich) - Mejorar (to improve) - Prosperar (to prosper)

This comprehensive overview should provide an understanding of the term empobrecer in various contexts.