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

Part of Speech

The word "incubar" is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

The phonetic transcription of "incubar" using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is: /iŋkuˈβaɾ/

Translation Options into English

The primary translations of "incubar" into English include: - To incubate - To hatch - To foster (in some contexts, particularly metaphorically)

Meaning and Usage

"Incubar" generally refers to the process of maintaining conditions that are conducive to the development of something, primarily eggs, but can also apply metaphorically to ideas, diseases, or projects.

In everyday Spanish, it is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, especially in the fields of biology, medicine, and childcare. It is moderately frequent in use, particularly in educational and scientific discussions.

Example Sentences

1. "Los científicos necesitan incubar las muestras para observar su desarrollo."

2. "Scientists need to incubate the samples to observe their development."

3. "La madre ave incubará sus huevos hasta que eclosionen."

4. "The mother bird will incubate her eggs until they hatch."

5. "Es importante incubar las ideas creativas antes de presentarlas."

6. "It is important to incubate creative ideas before presenting them."

Idiomatic Expressions

In Spanish, "incubar" is not as commonly found in idiomatic expressions as other verbs, but it can be part of phrases that carry metaphorical meanings, especially related to nurturing ideas or projects.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. "Incubar un proyecto" - "To incubate a project."
2. "El equipo está trabajando para incubar un proyecto innovador."

3. "The team is working to incubate an innovative project."

4. "Incubar ideas" - "To incubate ideas."

5. "Es fundamental incubar ideas antes de lanzarlas al mercado."

6. "It is essential to incubate ideas before launching them to the market."

7. "Incubar cambios" - "To incubate changes."

8. "La empresa necesita incubar cambios para adaptarse a la nueva realidad."
9. "The company needs to incubate changes to adapt to the new reality."

Etymology

The word "incubar" comes from Latin "incubare," which means "to lie upon" or "to hatch." The prefix "in-" conveys the idea of 'in' or 'upon,' while "cubare" refers to 'to lie down.' This etymological background emphasizes the nurturing aspect of incubation.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• "Hibernar" (to hibernate, in the context of biological processes)
• "Fomentar" (to foster, in a metaphorical sense)

Antonyms

• "Deshacer" (to undo)
• "Abandonar" (to abandon)

Overall, "incubar" is a versatile verb that refers primarily to nurturing and developing either literal or metaphorical entities, making it an interesting term with both practical and figurative implications in the Spanish language.