la avería
breakdown
Daño o fallo en una máquina, un vehículo o un sistema, que hace que no funcione bien o deje de funcionar.
Definition & meaning
The word avería primarily refers to a breakdown, malfunction, or mechanical failure in a machine, vehicle, or technical system. It describes a state where something is not working correctly due to a specific internal fault or damage. For example, if a car engine stops working on the highway, it is said to have suffered an avería.
In a broader sense, it can refer to any damage, flaw, or imperfection that hinders the proper utility of an object.
Historically and in legal contexts, particularly in maritime law, the term refers to "average." This describes the damage sustained by a ship or its cargo during a voyage, or the extraordinary expenses incurred for the preservation of the vessel and its contents.
Grammar & Word origin
Avería is a feminine noun. Its plural form is averías . It is commonly used with verbs such as sufrir (to suffer), tener (to have), or reparar (to repair).
The word originates from the Old French avarie, which is widely believed to come from the Arabic ‘awāriyya, meaning "damaged goods." This etymology reflects its original usage in Mediterranean trade to describe losses or damages occurring at sea.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Fallo : Refers to a general failure or error in a system or mechanism.
- Desperfecto : Typically used for a minor physical flaw or slight damage.
- Rotura : Specifically indicates that something has physically broken.
- Daño : A broad term for damage, harm, or hurt caused to an object or person.
- Incidencia : Often used in technical environments to describe an event that causes an interruption in service.
- Pana : A colloquialism used in some Spanish-speaking regions (influenced by the French panne) to describe a vehicle breakdown.
Antonyms:
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Examples
El tren se detuvo por una avería en la vía.noun
The train stopped because of a breakdown on the track.
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