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

Part of Speech

sacrificar is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/sakɾi.fiˈkaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• to sacrifice
• to give up
• to relinquish

Meaning and Usage

The verb sacrificar means to give up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy. It is commonly used in both oral speech and written contexts, often in discussions about personal choices, morality, or value systems. The frequency of use is relatively high in conversations about moral dilemmas, personal decisions, or in religious contexts.

Example Sentences

1. Es difícil sacrificar tu tiempo por los demás.

2. It is difficult to sacrifice your time for others.

3. A veces, es necesario sacrificar nuestras comodidades para lograr nuestros sueños.

4. Sometimes, it is necessary to sacrifice our comforts to achieve our dreams.

5. Los guerreros tuvieron que sacrificar su vida por la libertad.

6. The warriors had to sacrifice their lives for freedom.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word sacrificar can also be found in various idiomatic expressions related to selflessness, devotion, and commitment.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Sacrificar en el altar de la patria.
2. To sacrifice on the altar of the homeland.

3. This expression refers to making sacrifices for one's country, often associated with military service or national pride.

4. Sacrificar el bienestar personal por el bien de otros.

5. To sacrifice personal well-being for the good of others.

6. This phrase emphasizes the importance of putting others' needs before one's own.

7. No hay amor más grande que el que está dispuesto a sacrificar.

8. There is no greater love than one that is willing to sacrifice.

9. This saying highlights the idea that true love often involves personal sacrifice.

10. A veces hay que sacrificar la felicidad propia para la felicidad de otros.

11. Sometimes one has to sacrifice their own happiness for the happiness of others.
12. This illustrates the selfless nature of love and friendship.

Etymology

The word sacrificar originates from the Latin "sacrificare," which is a combination of "sacer" (holy or sacred) and "facere" (to make or do). Thus, it carries the connotation of making something sacred through the act of giving it up.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Ofrecer (to offer)
• Renunciar (to renounce)
• Entregar (to give up)

Antonyms

• Adquirir (to acquire)
• Ganar (to gain)
• Conservar (to preserve)

In summary, sacrificar is a versatile and frequently used verb in the Spanish language that reflects deep moral values and personal decisions, often encapsulating the essence of selflessness and devotion.