verb

descansar

rest

Detener una actividad para recuperar energía o sentirse menos cansado.

Definition & meaning

The verb descansar primarily refers to the act of resting or relaxing to recover strength after physical or mental exertion.

To rest or relax: To cease movement or work in order to refresh oneself. This can refer to sleeping or simply stopping an activity.
To be based on/rely on: In a figurative sense, it is used to indicate that something is supported by or depends on something else (e.g., "la decisión descansa en el director").
To remain calm or undisturbed: In some contexts, it refers to the state of being at peace or having a tranquil mind.
To pass away: A euphemistic way to refer to death, often phrased as "descansar en paz" (to rest in peace).

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: It is a regular intransitive verb ending in -ar. It can also be used transitively in specific contexts, such as "descansar la vista" (to rest one's eyes).

Origin: The word comes from the prefix des- (reversal or negation) and cansar (to tire). Literally, it means to "un-tire" or to remove the state of fatigue.