atrasar

Word: atrasar

Meaning:
The Spanish verb atrasar generally means "to delay," "to slow down," or "to put behind schedule." It implies causing something to happen at a later time than expected.

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Explanation

• Literal meaning: To cause something to be late or delayed.

• Uses: It is commonly used when talking about delaying actions, events, or progress. For example:

  • El tren se atrasó – The train was delayed.
  • No quiero atrasar el proyecto – I don't want to delay the project.

• Parts: The word comes from the prefix a-, related to movement or action towards something, and trasar, derived from tras meaning "behind" or "after."

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Synonyms

• dilatar – to delay (in time)
• retrasar – to delay, to put off
• posponer – to postpone
• demorar – to delay

Note: retrasar is very close and sometimes interchangeable with atrasar, but retrasar is the more common form for "to delay."

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Antonyms

• adelantar – to bring forward, to advance
• apresurar – to hasten, to speed up
• acelerar – to accelerate

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Other meanings

• In a more figurative or extended sense, atrasar can also refer to moving backward or making something fall behind progress in time or development.

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Summary:
“Atrasar” means to delay or make something fall behind schedule. It is useful in contexts involving time management, punctuality, and progress.