empinado
steep
Se dice de algo que tiene mucha inclinación hacia arriba o hacia abajo, como una calle o una montaña difícil de subir o bajar.
Definition & meaning
The word empinado is an adjective used to describe something that has a sharp slope or a steep incline. It is most commonly used in a geographical context to describe hills, mountains, cliffs, or streets that are difficult to climb or descend due to their vertical angle.
Additionally, in some contexts, it can be used figuratively to describe something that is very high or elevated, or in rare, informal cases, it may refer to someone who is intoxicated (though this usage is regional and less common).
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar: It is an adjective that agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies (e.g., una calle empinada, un camino empinado). It functions as the past participle of the verb empinar .
Word origin: The word originates from the Spanish verb empinar, which comes from the word pino (pine tree), implying an upward movement or posture, similar to how a pine tree grows straight and tall. The prefix en- denotes the action of putting into or reaching a state of being.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Escarpado : Used for very steep, rugged terrain, often rocky.
- Inclinado : A general term for something tilted or sloped.
- Pendiente : Used as a noun or adjective to denote a slope.
- Cuesta : Specifically refers to the steepness of a path or street.
Antonyms:
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Examples
Subimos una colina muy empinada durante nuestra caminata.adjective
We climbed a very steep hill during our hike.
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