intuir - Verb (transitive/intransitive)
/intuˈiɾ/
Intuir is a verb that denotes the ability to perceive or understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning. In Spanish, it’s often used to refer to the act of sensing or grasping an idea or situation intuitively. The frequency of use is moderate, commonly appearing in both oral and written contexts; however, it might be more prevalent in literary or reflective writing than in everyday conversation.
Es difícil intuir lo que ella realmente siente.
It’s hard to intuit what she really feels.
A veces, es mejor intuir las cosas en lugar de preguntar.
Sometimes, it’s better to sense things rather than ask.
No puedo intuir por qué decidió irse tan pronto.
I can’t intuit why she decided to leave so early.
The verb intuir may not be commonly found in fixed idiomatic expressions, but it appears often in metaphorical or descriptive contexts to convey deeper feelings, insights, or understandings.
Aunque no lo dijo, pude intuir su descontento.
Although he didn’t say it, I could sense his discontent.
Su mirada me hizo intuir que había algo más detrás de sus palabras.
His look made me intuit that there was more behind his words.
A veces, hay que intuir las intenciones de las personas.
Sometimes, you have to perceive people's intentions.
The word intuir comes from the Latin intueri, which means "to look at" or "to contemplate." This etymology reflects the deeper notion of perceiving or understanding something not through direct observation, but through a more instinctive or subconscious recognition.
In summary, intuir is a nuanced verb that captures the essence of instinctual understanding, and although it may not be found frequently in idiomatic expressions, it plays a significant role in conveying deeper insights in both personal and complex discussions.