verb

alzar

raise

Levantar algo o moverlo hacia arriba.

Alzar is a Spanish verb that generally means "to raise," "to lift," or "to elevate."

Meaning:

  1. To lift or raise something, physically or metaphorically.
    Example: Alzar la mano — To raise the hand.
    It can refer to lifting objects, raising limbs, or even metaphorical lifting such as raising one's voice.

  2. To erect or build something, such as a structure or building.
    Example: Alzar un edificio — To erect a building.
    In this sense, it refers to the construction or setting up of something upright.

Parts:

  • Alzar is a regular verb in -ar.
  • Its stems and conjugations follow the typical patterns of -ar verbs, though in some uses, it may be irregular in different tenses or subjunctive forms depending on dialect.

Synonyms:

  • Levantar: Often interchangeable with alzar when meaning "to lift" or "raise."
  • Erigir: More specific to "to erect" or "to build" a structure.
  • Elevar: Generally means "to elevate" or "to lift up," sometimes more formal.

Antonyms:

  • Bajar: To lower or bring down.
  • Descender: To descend or go down.

Summary

Alzar means to lift, raise, or erect something imaginable both physically and metaphorically, often used in daily speech for lifting arms, voice, or objects and also in construction contexts for building things upwards. It is closely related to levantar but can carry specific nuance depending on context.

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Examples

El árbitro alzó el brazo para marcar una falta.verb

The referee raised his arm to signal a foul.

Los manifestantes alzaron las manos en señal de protesta.verb

The protesters raised their hands as a sign of protest.

Los manifestantes alzaron sus pancartas cuando el líder comenzó su discurso.verb

The protesters raised their banners when the leader began his speech.

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