Adjective
/im.poˈten.te/
The word "impotente" in Spanish primarily refers to a state of being unable to perform or produce desired results. In a medical context, it often refers to erectile impotence. In a general context, it can denote a lack of power or capacity to act effectively.
In terms of frequency, "impotente" is commonly used in both oral and written forms, particularly in conversations and texts related to health issues, psychology, and law, where power dynamics are discussed. However, it is more prevalent in medical discussions.
The patient felt impotent in the face of his health condition.
Muchas personas se sienten impotentes cuando se encuentran ante situaciones de injusticia.
Many people feel powerless when they encounter situations of injustice.
El testigo se volvió impotente cuando se dio cuenta de que su testimonio no sería tomado en cuenta.
While "impotente" is not commonly found in many idiomatic expressions, it does appear in a few contexts, often relating to feelings of helplessness or lack of control:
Many times, in the face of life's problems, we feel powerless.
Estar impotente ante
She felt helpless in the situation and didn't know what to do.
Impotente ante la adversidad
The term "impotente" comes from the Latin word "impotens," which is a combination of "in-" meaning "not," and "potens," meaning "powerful" or "capable." This lineage reflects the core meaning of the word—lack of power or ability.
Desesperado (desperate)
Antonyms:
This structure provides a comprehensive understanding of the term "impotente" and its usage across different contexts in the Spanish language.