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

Part of Speech

The word "tercio" is a noun.

Phonetic Transcription

/tɛr̄sjo/

Translation Options into English

The word "tercio" can be translated into English as: - One third - Third - Tercio (in specific contexts, particularly in historical or cultural references)

Meaning and Usage

In the Spanish language, "tercio" primarily refers to one-third of something. It can be used in a variety of contexts including: - Mathematics (as a numerical fraction) - History (referring to a military unit in medieval Spain) - Wine (as in a third of a bottle)

The frequency of use varies: it is commonly seen in both oral and written contexts, especially in mathematical discussions, historical texts, and culinary contexts.

Example Sentences

1. El documento debe ser dividido en tres partes, así que cada parte será un tercio.

2. The document must be divided into three parts, so each part will be one third.

3. El tercio del trabajo fue completado la semana pasada.

4. One third of the work was completed last week.

5. El vino se sirve en un tercio de botella.

6. The wine is served in a third of a bottle.

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "tercio" is part of various idiomatic expressions in Spanish, often conveying meanings linked to division, portions, or halfway points.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Dar el tercio – to give way or to back down.
2. No es fácil dar el tercio, pero a veces es lo mejor.

3. It's not easy to back down, but sometimes it's for the best.

4. A partir de un tercio – from a third.

5. A partir de un tercio del libro, la trama se vuelve más interesante.

6. From a third of the book onwards, the plot becomes more interesting.

7. Tercio de quilo – a unit of measure for specific weights, often used informally.

8. Me compré un tercio de quilo de jamón.

9. I bought a third of a kilo of ham.

10. En un tercio de tiempo – in a third of the time.

11. Podemos hacer el trabajo en un tercio de tiempo si nos organizamos bien.
12. We can do the work in a third of the time if we organize ourselves well.

Etymology

The word "tercio" comes from the Latin "tertium," meaning 'third.' It has evolved through Old Spanish and has been retained in various contexts linked to division and measurement.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Tercera parte (third part) - Porción (portion)

Antonyms: - Mitad (half) - Total (whole)

This comprehensive overview of "tercio" highlights its use across different contexts and its role in idiomatic expressions in the Spanish language.