afrontar
face
Hacer frente a un problema, una situación o una persona con decisión y valor.
Definition & meaning
Afrontar means to face, confront, or tackle a difficult situation, problem, danger, or responsibility. It often suggests dealing with something directly rather than avoiding it.
Depending on context, it can also mean to face someone or to confront them. It does not usually mean “to insult,” despite the resemblance to the English word affront.
Grammar & Word origin
Afrontar is a regular -ar verb: yo afronto, tú afrontas, él/ella afronta. It is generally used with a direct object: you afrontar a problem, for example.
The word is formed from a- and frente , “front” or “face.” Its origin ultimately relates to the Latin word frons, meaning “forehead” or “front.”
Synonyms & antonyms
- Enfrentar — “to face” or “confront.” Very close in meaning; it can sound more explicitly confrontational.
- Encarar — “to face” or “take on.” Often emphasizes meeting a person or situation head-on.
- Asumir — “to accept” or “take responsibility for.” It emphasizes accepting a responsibility or consequence, rather than confronting it directly.
- Eludir — “to evade” or “avoid”; an antonym when someone avoids dealing with an issue.
- Rehuir — “to shun” or “steer clear of”; an antonym that emphasizes deliberately avoiding a challenge or encounter.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Es importante afrontar los problemas con calma.verb
It is important to face problems calmly.
Es importante afrontar nuevos desafíos con valentía.verb
It is important to face new challenges with courage.
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