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

Part of Speech

The word "levar" is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

The phonetic transcription of "levar" in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /leˈβaɾ/.

Translation Options into English

"Levar" can be translated into English as: - To raise - To lift - To carry away - To take off (in nautical contexts)

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, "levar" primarily means to lift or raise something, but it is commonly associated with nautical terminology, where it refers to the act of raising an anchor or sails. The word is used frequently in both spoken and written contexts, especially in maritime or historical discussions. In everyday language, it appears in various idiomatic expressions and can denote a more general sense of lifting or carrying away.

Examples

1. Levar anclas es fundamental antes de zarpar.

2. (Raising the anchor is essential before setting sail.)

3. Es necesario levar la vela para avanzar.

4. (It is necessary to raise the sail to advance.)

Idiomatic Expressions

"Levar" appears in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are a few examples:

1. Levar la voz
2. (To raise one's voice)
3. "Ella decidió levar la voz para hacerse escuchar."

4. (She decided to raise her voice to be heard.)

5. Levar la bandera

6. (To raise the flag)
7. "Vamos a levar la bandera en la ceremonia del próximo domingo."

8. (We are going to raise the flag in the ceremony next Sunday.)

9. Levar el vuelo

10. (To take flight)
11. "Después de tanto esfuerzo, finalmente logramos levar el vuelo."

12. (After so much effort, we finally succeeded in taking flight.)

13. Levar la piedra del camino

14. (To remove an obstacle)
15. "Debemos levar la piedra del camino para poder avanzar."
16. (We must remove the obstacle from the path in order to move forward.)

Etymology

The verb "levar" derives from the Latin verb "levare," which means "to lift or raise." The evolution of the word reflects its adaptation into Spanish, maintaining the core meaning connected to lifting and raising.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Elevar (to elevate)
• Levantar (to lift)
• Alzar (to raise)

Antonyms

• Bajar (to lower)
• Dejar (to leave)
• Abandonar (to abandon)

In summary, "levar" is a versatile verb used primarily in nautical contexts but also applicable in various idiomatic expressions. Its roots in Latin underscore its historical significance, while its synonyms and antonyms further illuminate its utility in the Spanish language.