descuidar
neglect
Es cuando una persona no presta la atención necesaria a alguien o algo que está bajo su responsabilidad.
Definition & meaning
Descuidar means to neglect or to fail to take proper care of someone or something. It can also mean to overlook something by not paying enough attention.
- Descuidó sus estudios. — He neglected his studies.
- No descuides los detalles. — Don’t overlook the details.
The reflexive form, descuidarse, means to neglect oneself, let oneself go, or become careless.
Grammar & Word origin
Descuidar is a regular -ar verb. It usually takes a direct object, as in descuidar la salud (“to neglect one’s health”).
It consists of the prefix des-, indicating reversal or lack, and cuidar (“to care for” or “look after”).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- desatender — to neglect or fail to attend to; close in meaning, especially when referring to duties or people.
- desamparar — to abandon or leave someone without protection; stronger than descuidar.
- pasar por alto — to overlook something, usually a detail rather than an ongoing responsibility.
Antonyms
- cuidar — to care for or look after.
- atender — to attend to someone or something.
- prestar atención — to pay attention, particularly the opposite of overlooking something.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
No debes descuidar tus estudios.verb
You should not neglect your studies.
Ayer descuidaron su trabajo porque estaban muy cansados.verb
Yesterday they neglected their work because they were very tired.
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