arrancar (extraer)

Word: arrancar

Meaning:

1. To pull out / to uproot: This is the primary literal meaning of arrancar. It refers to the action of pulling something out forcefully or suddenly. For example, arrancar una planta means "to pull out a plant" or "to uproot a plant."

2. To start (an engine or machine): In a different context, particularly with vehicles or machines, arrancar means "to start" the engine. For instance, arrancar el coche means "to start the car."

3. To tear away / to extract: Arrancar can also mean to tear or take something away, often abruptly or forcibly.

4. To begin or set off: Sometimes it can be used figuratively to mean "to get going" or "to start" an action or event.

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Parts:

• Prefix a-: often implies a movement related to or away from something.
• Root -rrancar: related to "ranca," connected to pulling or taking.

Although the word precedes with a-, the core means pulling or starting, depending on the context.

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Synonyms:

• For pulling out / uprooting: extraer, sacar, arrancar (used the same), desarraigar (more related to uprooting, specifically plants)
• For starting an engine / machine: encender, poner en marcha
• For begin or set off: iniciar, comenzar, empezar

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Antonyms:

• For pulling out: plantar (to plant), introducir (to insert)
• For starting a machine/engine: parar, detener (to stop)
• For beginning an event: terminar, finalizar

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Example sentences:

• Arrancar una flor del jardín puede dañarla.
  (Pulling a flower from the garden can damage it.)

• No puedo arrancar el coche, la batería está descargada.
  (I can't start the car, the battery is dead.)

• La carrera arrancó a las ocho de la mañana.
  (The race started at eight in the morning.)