"Mortecino" is an adjective in Spanish.
/morteˈθino/ (in Castilian Spanish)
/morteˈsino/ (in Latin American Spanish)
The term "mortecino" is used to describe something that is weak, faint, or lacking vitality. It can refer to a physical state, such as when someone appears tired or ill, or it can describe a situation or atmosphere that feels dull and lifeless. "Mortecino" can be used in both oral and written contexts, although it is more frequently encountered in literary works or formal texts.
El enfermo parecía mortecino y apenas podía mantenerse en pie.
The sick person seemed languid and could barely stand.
Durante el frío invierno, la luz del sol se sentía mortecina y tenue.
During the cold winter, the sunlight felt wan and dim.
Su voz sonó mortecina al hablar de su tristeza.
Her voice sounded lifeless when she spoke of her sorrow.
While "mortecino" is not commonly used in many idiomatic expressions, it may appear in some descriptions. Here are a few related phrases incorporating the concept of lifelessness or weakness:
"Estar como un mortecino."
To be like a languid person.
Meaning: To feel very weak or tired.
"Morir como un mortecino."
To die like a drowsy one.
Meaning: To fade out slowly without much energy or vibrancy.
"La conversación estaba mortecina."
The conversation was lifeless.
Meaning: The discussion was dull and lacked interest.
"Ese tema es mortecino en este momento."
That topic is weak at the moment.
Meaning: The subject is currently uninteresting or lacking relevance.
"Mortecino" comes from the Latin word "mortuus," which means "dead." The suffix "-cino" is a diminutive or an augmentative that implies a lesser degree, so "mortecino" connotes a state that is not fully dead but significantly diminished in vitality.
Synonyms: - Lánguido (languid) - Anémico (anemic) - Débil (weak) - Pálido (pale)
Antonyms: - Vigoroso (vigorous) - Enérgico (energetic) - Vital (vital) - Brillante (bright)
Overall, "mortecino" captures the essence of weakness and lacking liveliness, making it an interesting word in the Spanish language for describing a variety of contexts.