alcanzar

Word: alcanzar

Explanation:

"Alcanzar" is a Spanish verb that primarily means "to reach," "to catch," or "to achieve." It is a versatile verb used in various contexts, both literal and figurative.

Meanings:

1. To reach or arrive at a place or point:

   • Example: "Alcanzar la cima de la montaña" (To reach the summit of the mountain).
     This meaning involves physically coming up to or touching a particular location or position.

2. To catch up with someone or something:

   • Example: "Alcanzar a alguien que está delante" (To catch someone who is ahead).
     In this context, it describes closing the distance or overcoming a gap.

3. To achieve or obtain something (goals, objectives, results):

   • Example: "Alcanzar el éxito" (To achieve success).
     This figurative use refers to accomplishing something desired or planned.

4. To be enough or sufficient (less common use):

   • Example: "Me alcanza el dinero para comprar el libro" (I have enough money to buy the book).
     Here it implies that a quantity is adequate.

Parts:

• The verb "alcanzar" is a regular verb in the -ar conjugation group, but it has a spelling change in the "z" to "c" in certain forms to preserve pronunciation (e.g., in the first person singular preterite, "alcancé").

Synonyms:

• Reach or arrive: llegar
• Catch or overtake: atrapar, coger (depending on context)
• Achieve: conseguir, lograr, obtener

Antonyms:

• Not reach or fail to get: no lograr, fallar en, perder (depending on context)

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In summary, "alcanzar" is a common Spanish verb meaning "to reach/ridar/achieve/catch," incorporating both physical and figurative senses of arriving somewhere, achieving something or catching up.