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

Part of Speech

Temer is a verb in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/t⁢eˈmeɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To fear
• To be afraid of
• To dread

Meaning and Usage

Temer means to feel fear or apprehension regarding an upcoming event or situation. It is used in various contexts to express fear, concern, or dread. The frequency of use is moderate, and it can be found in both oral and written forms, though the verb is more frequently used in literary contexts and formal speech.

Example Sentences

1. Ella teme la oscuridad.
   She fears the darkness.

2. Muchos temen perder su trabajo.
   Many fear losing their job.

3. No quiero temer lo desconocido.
   I don't want to fear the unknown.

Idiomatic Expressions

Temer is often found in idiomatic expressions that denote fear or anxiety. Here are a few examples:

1. Temer lo peor:
   To fear the worst.
   "Siempre temo lo peor cuando veo que ella está callada."
   I always fear the worst when I see that she is quiet.

2. Temer por la vida:
   To fear for one's life.
   "Durante la tormenta, temí por la vida de mis amigos."
   During the storm, I feared for my friends' lives.

3. No temer ningún reto:
   To not fear any challenge.
   "Ella no teme ningún reto, es muy valiente."
   She does not fear any challenge; she is very brave.

4. Temer a lo desconocido:
   To fear the unknown.
   "Es natural temer a lo desconocido cuando estamos ante un cambio."
   It's natural to fear the unknown when we face a change.

Etymology

The verb temer originates from the Latin timere, which means "to fear." This Latin root has evolved through various forms in the Spanish language while retaining its core meaning associated with fear and apprehension.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Aterrarse (to terrify) - Asustarse (to get scared) - Miedar (to frighten)

Antonyms: - Atreverse (to dare) - Valer (to be brave) - Confiar (to trust)