estirar
stretch
Es alargar algo tirando de sus extremos o extender el cuerpo o una parte de él para aflojar los músculos.
Definition & meaning
Estirar means to stretch, pull, or extend something, making it longer, straighter, or tauter.
- To stretch the body or muscles: Estirar las piernas — “to stretch one’s legs.”
- To pull or make something taut: Estirar una cuerda — “to pull a rope taut.”
- To extend or make something last longer: Estirar el presupuesto — “to stretch the budget.”
The reflexive form, estirarse , means “to stretch oneself” or “to extend one’s body.”
Grammar & Word origin
Estirar is a regular -ar verb, usually used with an object. Its reflexive form is used when someone stretches their own body.
It is formed from the prefix es- and the verb tirar , “to pull.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- alargar — “to lengthen”; focuses on increasing length rather than pulling or stretching.
- extender — “to extend” or “spread out”; broader than estirar and does not necessarily involve tension.
- tensar — “to tighten”; emphasizes making something taut.
Antonyms:
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
No olvides estirar después de hacer ejercicio.verb
Don't forget to stretch after you exercise.
Es importante estirar los músculos antes de correr.verb
It is important to stretch the muscles before running.
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