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

Part of speech

Verb

Phonetic transcription

/reˈkae̯r/

Translation options into English

• Fall back
• Relapse

Meaning

The word "recaer" in Spanish means to fall back into a previous state, especially a negative one. It can also refer to relapsing into a condition or situation. This word is used in both oral and written contexts, but it is more common in written language, particularly in formal or legal texts.

Examples

1. Después de tanto esfuerzo por mantenerse sobrio, volvió a recaer en el alcoholismo.

2. After so much effort to stay sober, he fell back into alcoholism again.

3. Los doctores le advirtieron que si recaía en su enfermedad, el tratamiento sería mucho más complicado.

4. The doctors warned him that if he relapsed into his illness, the treatment would be much more complicated.

Idiomatic Expressions

• Caer y recaer: To fall into the same situation again and again.

• No aprende de sus errores, siempre cae y recae en lo mismo.

  • He never learns from his mistakes, he always falls back into the same thing.

• Recaer en alguien: To rely on someone.

• En momentos difíciles, sé que puedo recaer en ti para obtener apoyo.

  • In difficult times, I know I can rely on you for support.

• Recaer sobre alguien: To rest on someone, to rely or depend on someone.

• El éxito de este proyecto recaerá sobre el equipo de marketing.
  • The success of this project will rest on the marketing team.

Etymology

The word "recaer" comes from the Latin word "re-cadere," which is a combination of the prefix "re-" indicating repetition and the verb "cadere" meaning "to fall."

Synonyms

• Retroceder: To go back, to step back
• Recaída: Relapse, setback

Antonyms

• Mejorar: To improve
• Avanzar: To move forward