dispersar
dispersar en 30 segundos
- Dispersar means to spread out or scatter.
- Used for people, things, or ideas moving apart.
- Think of a crowd dispersing after an event.
- Also applies to natural scattering like seeds or smoke.
- Usage Contexts
- Describing crowds leaving a venue, the spread of natural elements like seeds or smoke, or the diffusion of information.
- Key Idea
- Movement away from a central point, resulting in wider distribution.
A multidão começou a dispersar após o concerto.
- Related Concepts
- Diffusion, scattering, spreading, distribution, decentralization.
As sementes se dispersam pelo vento.
- Common Scenarios
- After a parade, a flock of birds taking flight, the spread of a smell.
O fumo da fogueira começou a dispersar no ar.
- Figurative Use
- Can refer to the spread of rumors or ideas.
As ideias do novo projeto se dispersaram rapidamente pela empresa.
- Nature Examples
- Seeds, spores, sunlight, animal herds.
A luz do sol se dispersava entre as árvores.
- Basic Structure
- Subject + dispersar (conjugated) + object (optional).
O professor pediu para os alunos se dispersarem.
- With Direct Objects
- Used when a specific thing is being spread out.
O vento ajudou a dispersar as folhas secas.
- Past Tense Examples
- Describing past events of scattering.
A polícia fez a multidão se dispersar rapidamente.
- Future Tense Examples
- Predicting future scattering or spreading.
Com o tempo, as nuvens vão se dispersar.
- Imperative Mood
- Giving commands to scatter.
Crianças, não se dispersem no parque!
- Figurative Usage
- Used for ideas, rumors, or information.
A notícia se dispersou rapidamente pela cidade.
- Light and Energy
- Describing the spreading of light or energy.
A energia da explosão se dispersou em todas as direções.
- Particle Movement
- Describing the scattering of small particles.
A poeira se dispersou quando o carro passou.
- Media Contexts
- News reports on crowd control, natural events, and social gatherings. Documentaries on wildlife and environmental science.
O noticiário mostrou como a multidão se dispersou pacificamente.
- Everyday Conversations
- Discussing parties, events, or the aftermath of gatherings. Describing how groups of friends split up.
Depois da reunião, todos se dispersaram para suas casas.
- Educational Settings
- Science lessons explaining diffusion, scattering of light, or population distribution.
O professor explicou como as moléculas de gás se dispersam no recipiente.
- Literature and Arts
- Describing movement, chaos, or the spread of ideas in narratives.
A escrita do autor faz as palavras dispersarem pela página.
- Weather Phenomena
- Describing fog, clouds, or smoke dissipating.
A neblina da manhã começou a dispersar com o sol.
- Confusion with 'Distribuir'
- 'Distribuir' implies a more organized placement or allocation, whereas 'dispersar' suggests a less structured spreading.
Incorrecto: O professor dispersou os materiais.
Correcto: O professor distribuiu os materiais.
- Confusion with 'Espalhar'
- 'Espalhar' can sometimes mean to spread, but often implies a more active or intentional spreading than 'dispersar', which can be more passive or natural.
Incorrecto: A multidão se espalhou pela rua.
Correcto: A multidão se dispersou pela rua.
- Forgetting Reflexive Form
- When referring to groups of people, the reflexive 'dispersar-se' is often more natural and common.
Incorrecto: A equipa dispersou no campo.
Correcto: A equipa se dispersou no campo.
- Overuse in Specific Contexts
- Using 'dispersar' for actions that are clearly intentional and organized, where 'distribuir' or 'organizar' would be better.
Incorrecto: A empresa dispersou seus funcionários em diferentes departamentos.
Correcto: A empresa distribuiu seus funcionários em diferentes departamentos.
- Incorrect Tense Usage
- While 'dispersar' is a regular verb, learners might still struggle with conjugations in more complex sentences or less common tenses.
Incorrecto: Ontem, a chuva dispersa muito.
Correcto: Ontem, a chuva dispersou muito.
- Espalhar
- This is a very common synonym. "Espalhar" generally means "to spread" or "to scatter." It can be used in many of the same contexts as "dispersar," but it sometimes implies a more active or intentional spreading. For example, "espalhar sementes" (to scatter seeds) or "espalhar notícias" (to spread news). While "dispersar" can also be used for these, "espalhar" might feel more natural when the action is deliberate.
Ele gosta de espalhar migalhas para os pássaros.
- Distribuir
- This verb means "to distribute" or "to hand out." It's used when things are spread out in an organized manner or allocated to different people or places. It's the opposite of a natural, uncontrolled scattering. For instance, "distribuir panfletos" (to distribute flyers) or "distribuir tarefas" (to distribute tasks). You would not typically use "dispersar" in these organized distribution scenarios.
A organização vai distribuir comida aos necessitados.
- Dissipar
- This verb means "to dissipate," "to dispel," or "to scatter" (especially for things like fog, smoke, or clouds). It's very similar to "dispersar" when talking about natural phenomena that fade away or spread out and disappear. For example, "dissipar a névoa" (to dissipate the fog) or "dissipar o fumo" (to dissipate the smoke). It can also be used figuratively, like "dissipar medos" (to dispel fears).
O sol ajudou a dissipar a névoa matinal.
- Separar
- This verb means "to separate" or "to divide." While not a direct synonym for spreading out, it can be used when a group is breaking apart into smaller, distinct units. For example, "separar em grupos" (to separate into groups). If a crowd "disperses," they are also "separating" from each other.
Temos que nos separar para procurar.
- Despedir
- In the context of people leaving, "despedir" can mean "to dismiss" or "to send away," especially in a formal setting or when a group is being told to leave. For example, "O chefe despediu os funcionários mais cedo" (The boss dismissed the employees earlier). This is different from "dispersar," which describes the act of moving apart.
O evento terminou e as pessoas começaram a se despedir.
- Vazar
- This verb means "to leak" or "to spill." It's used when a liquid or gas escapes from a container and spreads. For example, "O óleo vazou do navio" (The oil leaked from the ship). It's a more specific type of spreading, often uncontrolled and undesirable.
Cuidado para não vazar o café.
- Descentralizar
- This verb means "to decentralize." It's used in a more abstract, organizational sense, referring to the distribution of power or functions away from a central authority. While related to spreading out, it's a more formal and conceptual term.
A empresa decidiu descentralizar suas operações.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The Latin root 'pargere' related to sowing is also connected to the English word 'spear', which originally referred to a sowing stick or a primitive agricultural tool. The concept of scattering seeds is deeply embedded in the word's history.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the 's' sound as 'z' at the beginning.
- Incorrectly stressing the first syllable.
- Not clearly articulating the final 'ar' sound.
Nivel de dificultad
At the A2 level, 'dispersar' is encountered in simple descriptive texts. Learners can usually grasp its meaning from context, especially when referring to concrete actions like crowds moving or objects scattering. Figurative uses might require more attention.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Reflexive verbs (Verbos reflexivos): The verb 'dispersar' is often used reflexively ('dispersar-se') when the subject is performing the action on itself or when the action is reciprocal. This is common when referring to people or animals moving apart.
A equipe se dispersou rapidamente pelo campo. (The team dispersed quickly across the field.)
Subjunctive mood after 'que': When expressing doubt, desire, or necessity, the subjunctive mood is used after 'que'.
É importante que a informação se disperse de forma clara. (It is important that the information disperses clearly.)
Infinitive after prepositions and certain verbs: The infinitive form of 'dispersar' is used after prepositions (e.g., 'para', 'a') and verbs like 'começar', 'tentar', 'ajudar'.
O vento ajudou a dispersar as nuvens. (The wind helped to disperse the clouds.)
Past tenses (Pretérito Perfeito and Imperfeito): Use the Pretérito Perfeito for completed actions of dispersing and the Imperfeito for ongoing or habitual actions of dispersing in the past.
A multidão dispersou (completed action). / O fumo dispersava lentamente (ongoing action).
Future tense: Used to talk about future dispersal.
Com o tempo, a névoa se dispersará. (With time, the fog will disperse.)
Ejemplos por nivel
Crianças, separem-se!
Children, separate yourselves! (Implies dispersing)
Simple imperative, 'separem-se' is close in meaning to 'dispersar'.
O grupo foi embora.
The group went away. (Implies dispersal)
Simple past tense of 'ir embora'.
Os pássaros voaram.
The birds flew away. (Implies scattering)
Simple past tense of 'voar'.
A fumaça subiu.
The smoke went up. (Implies spreading)
Simple past tense of 'subir'.
As pessoas saíram.
The people left. (Implies dispersing)
Simple past tense of 'sair'.
O vento soprou.
The wind blew. (Can cause dispersal)
Simple past tense of 'soprar'.
As folhas caíram.
The leaves fell. (Can be scattered)
Simple past tense of 'cair'.
O sol apareceu.
The sun appeared. (Can cause dispersal of clouds)
Simple past tense of 'aparecer'.
A multidão começou a se dispersar.
The crowd began to disperse.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'começou a' and the reflexive pronoun 'se'.
As sementes se dispersam pelo vento.
The seeds disperse by the wind.
Present tense of the reflexive verb 'dispersar-se'.
O fumo da lareira dispersou-se rapidamente.
The smoke from the fireplace dispersed quickly.
Past tense (preterite) of the reflexive verb 'dispersar-se'.
Depois da festa, os convidados se dispersaram.
After the party, the guests dispersed.
Past tense (preterite) of the reflexive verb 'dispersar-se'.
O professor pediu para os alunos se dispersarem.
The teacher asked the students to disperse.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'pediu para'.
A luz do sol se dispersava entre as árvores.
The sunlight dispersed among the trees.
Imperfect tense of the reflexive verb 'dispersar-se', indicating an ongoing action in the past.
Os animais se dispersaram quando ouviram o barulho.
The animals dispersed when they heard the noise.
Past tense (preterite) of the reflexive verb 'dispersar-se'.
Vamos nos dispersar para procurar.
Let's disperse to search.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'vamos' (let's) and the reflexive pronoun 'nos'.
A polícia tentou dispersar os manifestantes pacificamente.
The police tried to disperse the protesters peacefully.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'tentou'.
As notícias sobre o evento se dispersaram rapidamente.
The news about the event dispersed quickly.
Past tense (preterite) of the reflexive verb 'dispersar-se', used figuratively for information.
Com o vento forte, as nuvens começaram a se dispersar.
With the strong wind, the clouds began to disperse.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'começaram a'.
É importante que a energia se disperse de forma eficiente.
It is important that the energy disperses efficiently.
Subjunctive mood ('disperse') after 'É importante que'.
O perfume da flor se dispersou pelo jardim.
The flower's perfume dispersed through the garden.
Past tense (preterite) of the reflexive verb 'dispersar-se', used for scent.
Os soldados foram instruídos a se dispersar em caso de ataque surpresa.
The soldiers were instructed to disperse in case of a surprise attack.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'instruídos a'.
A tecnologia permite que as ideias se dispersam globalmente.
Technology allows ideas to disperse globally.
Subjunctive mood ('dispersem') after 'permite que'.
O calor da fogueira se dispersava no ar frio da noite.
The heat from the bonfire dispersed into the cold night air.
Imperfect tense of the reflexive verb 'dispersar-se'.
A estratégia visava dispersar a atenção do público para outros assuntos.
The strategy aimed to disperse the public's attention to other matters.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'visava'.
A dispersão das partículas no experimento foi crucial para a análise.
The dispersal of the particles in the experiment was crucial for the analysis.
Using the noun form 'dispersão' (dispersal).
Não se deve permitir que a desinformação se disperse sem controle.
Disinformation should not be allowed to disperse uncontrollably.
Using the passive infinitive 'se disperse' after 'permitir que'.
A arquitetura do edifício foi projetada para dispersar a luz natural.
The building's architecture was designed to disperse natural light.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'projetada para'.
O movimento cultural se dispersou por diversas regiões do país.
The cultural movement dispersed throughout various regions of the country.
Past tense (preterite) of the reflexive verb 'dispersar-se'.
Com a globalização, as influências culturais tendem a se dispersar mais facilmente.
With globalization, cultural influences tend to disperse more easily.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'tendem a'.
A equipe de resgate se dispersou para cobrir a área de busca.
The rescue team dispersed to cover the search area.
Past tense (preterite) of the reflexive verb 'dispersar-se'.
A concentração de pessoas naquela área era tão grande que elas precisaram se dispersar.
The concentration of people in that area was so great that they needed to disperse.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'precisaram'.
O objetivo do projeto era dispersar os recursos de forma equitativa entre as comunidades.
The project's objective was to disperse resources equitably among the communities.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'era'.
A obra de arte buscava dispersar a percepção do espectador, convidando-o a explorar múltiplos pontos de vista.
The artwork aimed to disperse the viewer's perception, inviting them to explore multiple viewpoints.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'buscava'.
A política de desinformação visa a dispersar a confiança nas instituições.
The disinformation policy aims to disperse trust in institutions.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'visa a'.
O estudo analisou como as populações animais se dispersam em resposta a mudanças climáticas.
The study analyzed how animal populations disperse in response to climate change.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'analisou como'.
A literatura pós-moderna frequentemente retrata a dispersão do eu e a fragmentação da identidade.
Postmodern literature often depicts the dispersal of the self and the fragmentation of identity.
Using the noun form 'dispersão' (dispersal).
O governo implementou medidas para dispersar o tráfego nas horas de pico.
The government implemented measures to disperse traffic during peak hours.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'implementou medidas para'.
A expansão do império levou à dispersão de sua cultura e língua por vastos territórios.
The empire's expansion led to the dispersal of its culture and language across vast territories.
Using the noun form 'dispersão' (dispersal).
A estratégia de marketing procurou dispersar a mensagem da marca por múltiplos canais.
The marketing strategy sought to disperse the brand's message across multiple channels.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' after 'procurou'.
A investigação revelou um padrão complexo de dispersão de poluentes na atmosfera.
The investigation revealed a complex pattern of pollutant dispersal in the atmosphere.
Using the noun form 'dispersão' (dispersal) in a scientific context.
O filósofo argumentava que a verdade não é singular, mas se dispersa em múltiplas interpretações.
The philosopher argued that truth is not singular but disperses into multiple interpretations.
Using the verb 'dispersa' in a philosophical discussion about truth.
A arquitetura moderna frequentemente emprega elementos para dispersar a luz de forma artística e funcional.
Modern architecture frequently employs elements to disperse light artistically and functionally.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' with adverbs indicating artistic and functional aspects.
A ecologia estuda os mecanismos pelos quais as espécies se dispersam para colonizar novos habitats.
Ecology studies the mechanisms by which species disperse to colonize new habitats.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' in an academic ecological context.
A proliferação de mídias sociais facilitou a dispersão de narrativas concorrentes sobre eventos históricos.
The proliferation of social media has facilitated the dispersal of competing narratives about historical events.
Using the noun form 'dispersão' (dispersal) in a socio-historical context.
O autor utilizou a técnica de dispersar a atenção do leitor, introduzindo subtramas inesperadas.
The author used the technique of dispersing the reader's attention by introducing unexpected subplots.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' in a literary critique.
A análise espectrográfica mostrou a dispersão de comprimentos de onda da luz emitida.
The spectrographic analysis showed the dispersal of wavelengths of the emitted light.
Using the noun form 'dispersão' (dispersal) in a physics context.
A política econômica visava dispersar o investimento em diferentes setores para mitigar riscos.
The economic policy aimed to disperse investment across different sectors to mitigate risks.
Using the infinitive 'dispersar' in an economic policy context.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— To disperse (reflexive verb, commonly used for people or groups moving apart).
A multidão começou a se dispersar após o discurso.
— To scatter, to spread out (reflexive form).
As formigas se dispersaram rapidamente quando o ninho foi perturbado.
— Began to disperse; started to spread out.
A festa começou a dispersar tarde da noite.
— To ask to disperse; to tell people to move apart.
A polícia pediu para os manifestantes dispersarem.
— To make disperse; to cause to scatter.
O barulho alto fez os pássaros se dispersarem.
— To disperse in directions; to scatter in different ways.
Os animais se dispersaram em várias direções.
— To disperse quickly; to scatter rapidly.
As nuvens se dispersaram rapidamente com a chegada do vento.
— To disperse energy; to spread out energy.
O material foi projetado para dispersar a energia do impacto.
Se confunde a menudo con
'Espalhar' often implies a more active or intentional spreading, while 'dispersar' can be more passive or natural. For example, you 'espalha' jam on toast, but seeds 'se dispersam' by the wind.
'Distribuir' means to distribute or hand out in an organized way. 'Dispersar' implies scattering without a clear order. You 'distribuem' flyers, but a crowd 'se dispersa'.
'Dissipar' is very similar to 'dispersar' when referring to things like fog, smoke, or clouds fading away. It can also mean to dispel doubts or fears.
Modismos y expresiones
— To disappear or vanish quickly and completely, like smoke dissipating.
Sua promessa de ajuda se dispersou como fumaça.
Figurative— To have one's thoughts scattered or become unfocused; to lose concentration.
Com tantas distrações, é fácil dispersar os pensamentos durante o estudo.
Figurative— To discourage someone; to dampen their spirits.
As más notícias não devem dispersar o ânimo da equipe.
Figurative— To scatter a group (often used metaphorically, like scattering a flock of sheep).
O barulho repentino dispersou o rebanho de ovelhas.
Literal/Figurative— To clear up doubts; to resolve uncertainties.
O professor explicou o conceito para dispersar as dúvidas dos alunos.
Figurative— To spread out energy, often in a way that is less intense or focused.
O amortecedor ajuda a dispersar a energia do impacto.
Figurative/Technical— To shift focus away from a central point; to distract.
A conversa paralela tentou dispersar o foco da reunião principal.
Figurative— To distract someone's attention; to make them lose focus.
O jogo de luzes foi usado para dispersar a atenção do público.
Figurative— To break up or scatter the competition.
A nova estratégia da empresa visava dispersar a concorrência.
Figurative/Business— To decentralize power; to spread power among different entities.
A reforma buscava dispersar o poder político para as regiões.
Figurative/PoliticalFácil de confundir
Both verbs describe things moving apart or spreading out.
'Espalhar' often suggests a more deliberate or active spreading, like spreading a message or physically spreading something. 'Dispersar' leans more towards a natural, less controlled scattering, or a group moving away from a central point. For example, you 'espalha' good news, but a crowd 'se dispersa' after a rally.
Eu espalhei as flores pelo jardim. (I spread the flowers around the garden.) vs. As flores se dispersaram pelo vento. (The flowers dispersed by the wind.)
Both can involve spreading things over an area.
'Distribuir' implies an organized allocation or handing out of items or tasks. 'Dispersar' is about scattering or spreading out, often in a less organized manner, or a group moving apart. Think of 'distribuir' as giving out items one by one, and 'dispersar' as a group breaking up.
O professor distribuiu os livros para cada aluno. (The teacher distributed the books to each student.) vs. Os alunos se dispersaram pelos corredores. (The students dispersed through the hallways.)
Both verbs can describe things fading away or spreading out, especially natural phenomena.
'Dissipar' is often used for things that fade or vanish, like fog, smoke, or negative emotions (dissipar medos). 'Dispersar' is more about the physical act of scattering or moving apart over an area. While similar for fog ('dissipar a névoa' vs. 'a névoa se dispersou'), 'dispersar' is more general for groups of people or objects moving away from a center.
O calor se dissipou rapidamente. (The heat dissipated quickly.) vs. A multidão se dispersou pacificamente. (The crowd dispersed peacefully.)
It's the direct antonym, so understanding the difference is key.
'Reunir' means to gather, bring together, or assemble. It's the exact opposite of 'dispersar,' which means to scatter or spread apart. One describes coming together, the other describes moving away from each other.
Vamos nos reunir no parque amanhã. (Let's gather in the park tomorrow.) vs. Depois da reunião, todos se dispersaram. (After the meeting, everyone dispersed.)
It's another antonym, describing the opposite state of being spread out.
'Concentrar' means to focus, gather, or bring together in one place. It implies increasing density. 'Dispersar' implies decreasing density by spreading out. If something is concentrated, it is not dispersed, and vice versa.
O tráfego se concentrou na ponte. (Traffic concentrated on the bridge.) vs. O tráfego se dispersou pelas ruas secundárias. (Traffic dispersed through the side streets.)
Patrones de oraciones
Subject + se + dispersar (conjugated)
Os pássaros se dispersaram.
O/A + [Noun] + começou a + dispersar
A multidão começou a dispersar.
Pedir para + Subject + dispersar
O guarda pediu para os cães dispersar.
Subject + dispersar (conjugated) + Object
O vento dispersou as sementes.
É importante que + Subject + disperse (subjunctive)
É importante que a informação se disperse corretamente.
A estratégia + visava + dispersar + Object
A estratégia visava dispersar a atenção do público.
A + [Noun] + se + dispersar + em + [Location/Directions]
A fumaça se dispersou em todas as direções.
O objetivo era + dispersar + Object + de forma + [Adverb]
O objetivo era dispersar os recursos de forma equitativa.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Common
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Using 'dispersar' for organized distribution.
→
Using 'distribuir' for organized placement.
'Dispersar' implies a scattering or spreading out, often naturally or without a specific order. 'Distribuir' means to hand out or allocate items in a structured way. For example, you 'distribuir' prizes, but a crowd 'se dispersa' after an event.
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Forgetting the reflexive pronoun 'se' with people.
→
Using 'se dispersar' or 'dispersar-se' when the subject is people or animals.
When people or animals are the subject and are moving apart from each other, the reflexive form is generally preferred and sounds more natural. For instance, 'A multidão se dispersou' is more common than 'A multidão dispersou'.
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Confusing 'dispersar' with 'espalhar' in all contexts.
→
Understanding the nuance: 'espalhar' can be more active/intentional, 'dispersar' more natural/passive scattering.
'Espalhar' can mean to spread something deliberately (like jam), while 'dispersar' often describes a more natural scattering (like seeds by wind) or a group breaking apart. While similar, 'dispersar' emphasizes moving away from a center.
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Incorrect conjugation in different tenses.
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Accurate conjugation of 'dispersar' as a regular -ar verb.
Although 'dispersar' is regular, learners might still make errors with endings in various tenses (present, past, future, subjunctive). Practicing conjugations is essential.
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Using 'dispersar' when 'dissipar' is more appropriate.
→
Using 'dissipar' for things fading away like fog or doubts.
'Dissipar' is often used for phenomena that fade or vanish, such as fog ('dissipar a névoa') or negative feelings ('dissipar medos'). 'Dispersar' is more about scattering over an area. While they overlap, 'dissipar' has a stronger sense of vanishing.
Consejos
Reflexive is Key for People
When talking about people or animals moving apart, the reflexive form 'se dispersar' or 'dispersar-se' is most common and sounds more natural. Think of it as the subjects dispersing themselves.
Nature vs. Intentionality
While 'espalhar' can be intentional (spreading jam), 'dispersar' often implies a more natural, less controlled scattering, like wind dispersing seeds, or a crowd naturally breaking up.
Beyond the Physical
Remember that 'dispersar' isn't just about physical objects or people. It can describe how ideas, information, or even attention spreads out or becomes less focused.
Opposite Meanings
To truly understand 'dispersar', learn its opposites: 'reunir' (to gather) and 'concentrar' (to concentrate). Visualizing these contrasts helps solidify the meaning.
Stress on the Second Syllable
The word 'dispersar' has the main stress on the second syllable: dis-PER-sar. Practicing this rhythm will make your pronunciation sound more natural.
Regular Verb
'Dispersar' is a regular -ar verb. This means its conjugation follows the standard pattern, making it easier to learn and use in different tenses once you know the pattern.
'Dissipar' vs. 'Dispersar'
While similar, 'dissipar' often implies fading away (like fog or doubts), whereas 'dispersar' is more about scattering or spreading out over an area. Think 'dissipate' vs. 'disperse'.
Connect to 'Dispersal'
The English word 'dispersal' comes from the same Latin root. Linking the Portuguese verb 'dispersar' to the English noun 'dispersal' can aid memorization.
Use in Sentences
Actively try to use 'dispersar' in your own sentences. Describe a scene from your day, a movie, or a book where something or someone is scattering or spreading out.
Listen and Observe
Pay attention to how native speakers use 'dispersar' in conversations, news reports, or movies. Noticing the context will reveal its subtle meanings and appropriate usage.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a large crowd at a concert. When the music ends, the people 'dis-perse' in all directions, like seeds scattered by a gust of wind. The 'dis-' sound can remind you of 'dissolving' or 'distancing' from a central point.
Asociación visual
Picture a dandelion clock with its seeds being blown away by the wind, spreading out over a field. Each seed represents something that has dispersed.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to describe a scene where something is scattering or spreading out using 'dispersar'. For example, imagine a flock of birds taking flight or a group of friends leaving a party. Write a short sentence or two about it.
Origen de la palabra
The Portuguese verb 'dispersar' comes from the Latin word 'dispersare', which is the frequentative form of 'dispergere'. 'Dispergere' itself is formed from the prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'apart' or 'away') and the verb 'pargere' (meaning 'to sow' or 'to scatter'). Thus, the original sense was strongly related to sowing seeds and scattering them widely.
Significado original: To scatter widely, to sow apart.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > PortugueseContexto cultural
When referring to crowds, especially in contexts of protests or unrest, the term 'dispersar' can sometimes be associated with police action to break up gatherings. It's important to be aware of this potential connotation depending on the specific context.
In English, 'disperse' carries similar connotations of spreading out, often used for crowds, fog, or abstract concepts. The Latin root is shared, leading to a close semantic link.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Crowds and gatherings
- A multidão se dispersou.
- Pediram para dispersar.
- Dispersar os manifestantes.
Nature and environment
- As sementes se dispersam.
- O fumo se dispersa no ar.
- A luz se dispersa.
Movement of groups
- Os amigos se dispersaram.
- As tropas se dispersaram.
- Os animais se dispersaram.
Figurative use (ideas, information)
- As notícias se dispersaram.
- Dispersar a atenção.
- Dispersar as ideias.
Physics and science
- Dispersar partículas.
- Dispersar a energia.
- Dispersar a luz.
Inicios de conversación
"Have you ever seen a large crowd disperse after a big event? What was it like?"
"How do seeds disperse in your country? Are there specific plants known for it?"
"When do you think it's necessary for a group of people to disperse?"
"Can you think of a time when information dispersed very quickly?"
"What natural phenomena involve dispersal that you find interesting?"
Temas para diario
Describe a time you were part of a crowd that had to disperse. What was the reason and how did it feel?
Imagine you are a seed. Describe how you hope to disperse and where you would like to land.
Reflect on how ideas or trends disperse in society today. What role do you think technology plays?
Think about a situation where you needed to focus, but your thoughts kept dispersing. How did you manage it?
Describe a natural scene where you observed something dispersing, like fog clearing or leaves scattering.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, 'dispersar' can be used figuratively for abstract concepts as well. For example, 'As notícias se dispersaram rapidamente' (The news dispersed quickly), meaning it spread widely. You can also talk about 'dispersar a atenção' (to disperse attention) or 'dispersar ideias' (to scatter ideas).
'Espalhar' often implies a more active or intentional spreading, like spreading jam on toast ('espalhar geleia'). 'Dispersar' can be more natural or passive, like seeds scattering in the wind ('as sementes se dispersam pelo vento'), or a group moving apart from a central point ('a multidão se dispersou'). While there's overlap, 'dispersar' often suggests a scattering away from a source.
The reflexive form 'se dispersar' (or 'dispersar-se') is very common when the subject is people or animals acting together and then moving apart. For example, 'Os amigos se dispersaram após a festa' (The friends dispersed after the party). It implies they are dispersing themselves or each other.
Yes, it can, especially when referring to how they spread out. For example, 'O fumo se dispersou no ar' (The smoke dispersed in the air). However, for liquids 'leaking' or 'spilling', 'vazar' is often more specific. For gases spreading, 'difundir' is also a related term.
The main opposites are 'reunir' (to gather, bring together) and 'concentrar' (to concentrate, focus). 'Juntar' (to join) and 'aglutinar' (to cluster) also describe the opposite process of things coming together.
The pronunciation is dis-PER-sar. The stress is on the second syllable ('pers'). The 'i' is short, like in 'sit', the 'e' is like in 'desk', and the final 'ar' has a soft 'a' sound, similar to the 'a' in 'sofa'.
Yes, 'dispersar' is a common verb used in everyday Portuguese, especially when describing crowds, natural phenomena, or the spreading of things. It's a useful word for A2 learners and above.
Common phrases include 'se dispersar' (to disperse oneself/themselves), 'dispersar-se rapidamente' (to disperse quickly), 'pedir para dispersar' (to ask to disperse), and 'dispersar a multidão' (to disperse the crowd).
Absolutely. In science, 'dispersar' is used to describe the scattering of particles, light, energy, or populations. For example, 'a dispersão de partículas' (the dispersal of particles) or 'a dispersão de espécies' (the dispersal of species).
The noun form is 'dispersão', which means 'dispersal' or 'scattering'. For example, 'a dispersão das sementes' (the dispersal of seeds).
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Summary
The verb 'dispersar' signifies the act of spreading out or scattering from a central point, becoming distributed over a wide area. It's used for both concrete (crowds, seeds) and abstract (information, energy) subjects, often implying a natural or less controlled movement apart.
- Dispersar means to spread out or scatter.
- Used for people, things, or ideas moving apart.
- Think of a crowd dispersing after an event.
- Also applies to natural scattering like seeds or smoke.
Reflexive is Key for People
When talking about people or animals moving apart, the reflexive form 'se dispersar' or 'dispersar-se' is most common and sounds more natural. Think of it as the subjects dispersing themselves.
Nature vs. Intentionality
While 'espalhar' can be intentional (spreading jam), 'dispersar' often implies a more natural, less controlled scattering, like wind dispersing seeds, or a crowd naturally breaking up.
Beyond the Physical
Remember that 'dispersar' isn't just about physical objects or people. It can describe how ideas, information, or even attention spreads out or becomes less focused.
Opposite Meanings
To truly understand 'dispersar', learn its opposites: 'reunir' (to gather) and 'concentrar' (to concentrate). Visualizing these contrasts helps solidify the meaning.
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