Compulsivo refers to actions driven by an uncontrollable psychological urge rather than conscious choice.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes an irresistible urge to perform specific actions.
- Often associated with repetitive behaviors or psychological patterns.
- Used to describe people who cannot easily stop a habit.
Visión general
La palabra 'compulsivo' proviene del latín 'compulsio' y se refiere a una fuerza interna que empuja a alguien a actuar. A diferencia de un hábito, que es una elección consciente o aprendida, el acto compulsivo se siente como una necesidad ineludible que, de no satisfacerse, genera un malestar profundo. 2) Patrones de uso: Se utiliza frecuentemente como adjetivo pospuesto al sustantivo (ej. 'comprador compulsivo'). También puede funcionar como un adverbio si se usa la forma 'compulsivamente', indicando la manera en que se realiza una acción. 3) Contextos comunes: Es muy frecuente encontrar este término en contextos psicológicos y de salud mental, refiriéndose a trastornos como el TOC (Trastorno Obsesivo-Compulsivo). Sin embargo, en el lenguaje coloquial, se aplica a hábitos diarios, como ser un 'lector compulsivo' (alguien que lee mucho y sin parar) o un 'comedor compulsivo'. 4) Comparación: A menudo se confunde con 'impulsivo'. Mientras que el impulsivo actúa de forma repentina sin medir consecuencias, el compulsivo actúa por una necesidad repetitiva de aliviar una tensión interna, siendo un proceso más cíclico y persistente que un simple arranque de impulsividad.
Examples
Es un comprador compulsivo que gasta todo su dinero en videojuegos.
everydayHe is a compulsive shopper who spends all his money on video games.
El paciente presenta síntomas de un trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo.
formalThe patient presents symptoms of an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
No seas tan compulsivo, ¡tómate un respiro!
informalDon't be so compulsive, take a break!
El consumo compulsivo de información digital afecta la capacidad de concentración.
academicThe compulsive consumption of digital information affects concentration capacity.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Comportamiento compulsivo
Compulsive behavior
Trastorno compulsivo
Compulsive disorder
De forma compulsiva
In a compulsive way
Often Confused With
Impulsive refers to acting without thinking of consequences. Compulsive refers to acting under an internal pressure to repeat a behavior.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral to formal in register. It is frequently used in both medical settings and casual conversation. Ensure you use the correct gender agreement if needed, though 'compulsivo' is the base masculine form.
Common Mistakes
Students often confuse 'compulsivo' with 'impulsivo' due to their similar sounds. Another error is using it as a noun instead of an adjective. Remember it must describe a person or an action.
Tips
Think of Repetition and Urgency
When you see this word, associate it with cycles. It is not just doing something once; it is the inability to stop doing it repeatedly.
Don't Confuse with Impulsive
Remember that 'impulsivo' is about lack of planning, while 'compulsivo' is about the pressure to repeat an action.
Use in Modern Psychology
In Spanish, the term is widely used in media and health discussions regarding addiction and mental health awareness.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'compulsio', from 'compellere' (to drive together or force). It reflects the idea of being driven by an internal force.
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, the term is often used in self-help and psychological contexts. It is also common in media to describe excessive behaviors like 'compras compulsivas' during sales.
Memory Tip
Think of 'compulsion' as a 'pull' inside you. Like a magnet pulling you to do something again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, son conceptos distintos. El impulsivo actúa de forma repentina sin pensar, mientras que el compulsivo siente una tensión interna que solo se calma al repetir una acción específica.
Sí, en contextos informales. Por ejemplo, decir que alguien es un 'lector compulsivo' implica que tiene una gran pasión por la lectura y no puede dejar de hacerlo.
La obsesión es el pensamiento intrusivo o la idea fija, mientras que la compulsión es el acto físico o mental que se realiza para intentar neutralizar esa obsesión.
Se añade el sufijo '-mente' al adjetivo femenino. Por tanto, se dice 'compulsivamente'.
Test Yourself
Después de ver la película, se convirtió en un lector ___ de novelas de misterio.
El contexto sugiere una lectura constante y apasionada, lo cual define al lector compulsivo.
¿Qué implica que alguien tenga un comportamiento compulsivo?
La definición central de compulsivo es la falta de control sobre un impulso repetitivo.
comprador / es / un / compulsivo / él
La estructura correcta sigue Sujeto + Verbo + Sustantivo + Adjetivo.
Score: /3
Summary
Compulsivo refers to actions driven by an uncontrollable psychological urge rather than conscious choice.
- Describes an irresistible urge to perform specific actions.
- Often associated with repetitive behaviors or psychological patterns.
- Used to describe people who cannot easily stop a habit.
Think of Repetition and Urgency
When you see this word, associate it with cycles. It is not just doing something once; it is the inability to stop doing it repeatedly.
Don't Confuse with Impulsive
Remember that 'impulsivo' is about lack of planning, while 'compulsivo' is about the pressure to repeat an action.
Use in Modern Psychology
In Spanish, the term is widely used in media and health discussions regarding addiction and mental health awareness.
Examples
4 of 4Es un comprador compulsivo que gasta todo su dinero en videojuegos.
He is a compulsive shopper who spends all his money on video games.
El paciente presenta síntomas de un trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo.
The patient presents symptoms of an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
No seas tan compulsivo, ¡tómate un respiro!
Don't be so compulsive, take a break!
El consumo compulsivo de información digital afecta la capacidad de concentración.
The compulsive consumption of digital information affects concentration capacity.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
abatido
B1Feeling or showing great sadness or discouragement; dejected.
abatimiento
B2State of being low in spirits; dejection or depression.
abatir
B1To make someone feel dejected or disheartened.
abierto/a de mente
B2Open-minded; willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.
aborrecer
B1To regard with disgust and hatred; to loathe.
abrazar
A1To put one's arms around someone as a sign of affection.
abrazo
A1An act of holding someone closely in one's arms; a hug.
abrumador
B1Overpowering; very great or intense.
abrumar
B1To overwhelm (someone) with a large amount of something.
en absoluto
B1Not at all; absolutely not.
