The word "sentar" is a verb in Spanish.
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription for "sentar" is /senˈtaɾ/.
"Sentar" primarily means "to sit" in Spanish. It can be used in several contexts, including physically sitting down or establishing a position or idea. It is relatively common in both oral and written forms, used frequently in everyday conversation as well as in literary texts.
Quiero sentar en la silla junto a la ventana.
I want to sit in the chair next to the window.
Es importante sentar las bases para el proyecto.
It is important to establish the foundations for the project.
Ella decidió sentar a su perro en el sofá.
She decided to seat her dog on the sofa.
The verb "sentar" is often found in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish, which demonstrate its versatility in terms of figurative language.
Sentar cabeza
Means to settle down or to become more responsible.
Después de muchos años de fiestas, finalmente decidí sentar cabeza.
After many years of partying, I finally decided to settle down.
Sentar las bases
To lay the groundwork or foundations.
Es crucial sentar las bases antes de comenzar el negocio.
It is crucial to lay the groundwork before starting the business.
Sentar a alguien en el banquillo de los acusados
To put someone in the hot seat or to bring someone to judgment.
El director decidió sentar a los responsables en el banquillo de los acusados.
The director decided to put those responsible in the hot seat.
Sentar jurisprudencia
To set a legal precedent.
Este caso podría sentar jurisprudencia en la materia.
This case could set a legal precedent in the field.
The word "sentar" comes from the Latin verb "sentāre," which is derived from "sedere," meaning "to sit." Its evolution reflects the transition from Latin to the modern Romance languages, where the core meaning of sitting or establishing remains intact.