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

Part of Speech

Adjective

Phonetic Transcription

/sofiˈkante/

Translation Options into English

• Stifling
• Suffocating
• Oppressive

Meaning and Usage

The adjective "sofocante" describes something that causes a feeling of suffocation, either literally or metaphorically. It is frequently used to characterize intense heat, oppressive atmospheres, or situations that evoke a sense of being overwhelmed. The term can be applied in various contexts, including weather, emotional states, and specific environments. The word is commonly used in both oral and written forms, with a slight preference for literary or descriptive contexts.

Example Sentences

1. En el verano, el clima puede ser sofocante en esta región.
   In the summer, the weather can be stifling in this region.

2. La presión del trabajo se volvió tan sofocante que necesitaba un descanso.
   The pressure from work became so oppressive that I needed a break.

3. La habitación estaba tan llena de gente que se sentía una atmósfera sofocante.
   The room was so full of people that it felt stifling.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "sofocante" itself is not heavily featured in idiomatic expressions, it can appear in phrases that describe overwhelming situations or feelings. Here are some examples:

1. Una situación sofocante: "El examen final fue una situación sofocante para todos los estudiantes."
   The final exam was a stifling situation for all students.

2. Sentir una presión sofocante: "A veces siento una presión sofocante cuando tengo demasiadas responsabilidades."
   Sometimes I feel a suffocating pressure when I have too many responsibilities.

3. Un ambiente sofocante: "El ambiente en la sala de reuniones era sofocante, y nadie podía concentrarse."
   The atmosphere in the conference room was suffocating, and no one could focus.

4. Clima sofocante: "El clima sofocante en la playa hizo que pocos quisieran salir."
   The stifling heat at the beach made few people want to go out.

Etymology

The word "sofocante" comes from the Spanish verb "sofocar," which means "to suffocate." This verb itself is derived from the Latin "suffocare," where "sub-" means "under" and "focare" means "to choke." Thus, the word carries the connotation of being overwhelmed or unable to breathe freely.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Abrumador (overwhelming) - Oprimente (oppressive)

Antonyms: - Aliviante (relieving) - Fresco (cool)