Part of Speech

The word "sobrellevar" is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/sobreˈleβaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• to endure
• to bear
• to get through

Meaning and Usage

"Sobrellevar" refers to the act of enduring or managing difficult or challenging situations. It implies a sense of suffering or coping, often associated with emotional or physical burdens. The word is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, although it may appear more frequently in formal writing due to its somewhat elevated connotation compared to everyday synonyms like “aguantar” or “soportar.”

Frequency of Use

The verb "sobrellevar" is relatively common in Spanish, particularly in discussions about coping mechanisms, challenges, and emotional resilience. It's often found in literary contexts or in conversations about personal struggles.

Example Sentences

1. A pesar de las dificultades, logró sobrellevar la situación con gracia.

2. Despite the difficulties, he managed to endure the situation with grace.

3. Muchos ciudadanos han aprendido a sobrellevar el estrés durante la pandemia.

4. Many citizens have learned to bear the stress during the pandemic.

5. Es importante encontrar formas saludables de sobrellevar las adversidades de la vida.

6. It's important to find healthy ways to get through life's adversities.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Sobrellevar" is involved in idiomatic expressions that reflect resilience and coping strategies.

1. Sobrellevar el peso de la responsabilidad
2. To bear the weight of responsibility.
3. Desde muy joven tuvo que sobrellevar el peso de la responsabilidad familiar.

4. From a young age, he had to bear the weight of family responsibility.

5. No es fácil sobrellevar las críticas

6. It’s not easy to endure criticism.
7. La actriz aprendió a no tomar a pecho las críticas y sobrellevarlas con madurez.

8. The actress learned not to take criticism to heart and to endure it with maturity.

9. Sobrellevar la tristeza

10. To get through sadness.
11. Ella encontró consuelo en la música para sobrellevar la tristeza de la pérdida.

12. She found solace in music to get through the sadness of her loss.

13. Sobrellevar las dificultades de la vida

14. To bear the difficulties of life.
15. Hay que ser fuerte para sobrellevar las dificultades de la vida.
16. One must be strong to bear the difficulties of life.

Etymology

The word "sobrellevar" comes from the Latin "superlevare," which means "to lift up" or "to bear above." It is formed by the prefix "sobre-" (over) and "llevar" (to carry or to take). The meaning evolved to reflect the notion of enduring or carrying burdens emotionally or mentally.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - aguantar (to endure) - soportar (to tolerate) - enfrentar (to face)

Antonyms: - rendirse (to give up) - desistir (to desist) - ceder (to yield)