palpar
palpate · feel
The Spanish verb "palpar" means "to feel" or "to touch" with the hands in order to examine or perceive something physically. It involves using the sense of touch to detect texture, shape, size, or temperature.
Meaning:
- To touch or feel something with the hands to examine it: For example, a doctor might "palpar" a patient's abdomen to check for abnormalities.
- To sense or perceive something in a more abstract way: It can also mean to sense or perceive something that is not directly visible, such as a feeling or an atmosphere.
Parts:
- "Palpar" is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it conjugates just like other -ar verbs, e.g., yo palpo, tú palpas, él palpa.
- The root is "palp-", which is related to touching or feeling.
Synonyms:
- Tocar (to touch)
- Examinar (to examine; more specific context)
- Sentir (to feel, especially emotionally or internally)
- Manosear (to handle or feel, sometimes with a slight negative connotation)
Antonyms:
- Ignorar (to ignore, not paying attention, opposite in terms of awareness)
- Evitar (to avoid)
- Apartar (to move away or withdraw)
Example sentences:
- El médico palpó el abdomen del paciente para buscar alguna inflamación.
(The doctor palpated the patient's abdomen to look for any inflammation.) - Podía palpar la tensión en el ambiente.
(One could sense the tension in the atmosphere.)
Summary:
"Palpar" primarily refers to physically touching or feeling something with the hands in order to perceive it, but it also can mean to sense or perceive something in a less tangible way.
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Examples
El doctor palpó el brazo de Ana.verb
The doctor palpated Ana's arm.
¿Has palpado la superficie para comprobar si está lisa?verb
Have you felt the surface to check if it is smooth?
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