condenar
To express complete disapproval of, especially in a religious judgment.
Condenar means to officially judge someone as guilty or to strongly denounce an action as morally wrong.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To express strong disapproval of someone or something.
- To sentence someone to a specific punishment legally.
- Used in both formal legal and moral contexts.
Summary
Condenar means to officially judge someone as guilty or to strongly denounce an action as morally wrong.
- To express strong disapproval of someone or something.
- To sentence someone to a specific punishment legally.
- Used in both formal legal and moral contexts.
Use prepositions correctly with condenar
Remember that you usually 'condenar a' someone to a punishment. Always link the person with the penalty using this preposition.
Avoid using it for light criticism
Condenar is a very strong word. Do not use it for minor disagreements; use 'criticar' instead.
Legal impact in Spanish speaking countries
In legal contexts, the word carries significant weight in Spanish courts. It is the standard term for sentencing in all Hispanic jurisdictions.
Examples
2 of 2La sociedad debe condenar la violencia.
Society must condemn violence.
El tribunal lo condenó a prisión perpetua.
The court sentenced him to life imprisonment.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'con-den-nation' (condenación). It sounds like 'condemnation', which is the English equivalent.
Overview
'Condenar' es un verbo transitivo que implica una acción de juicio. Se puede aplicar tanto en un sentido moral o ético, donde la sociedad o un individuo rechaza una conducta, como en un sentido jurídico, donde el Estado impone una sanción. 2) Usage Patterns: Se construye frecuentemente con la estructura 'condenar a alguien por algo' (delito) o 'condenar a alguien a algo' (pena o castigo). Por ejemplo, 'condenar a alguien a prisión'. 3) Common Contexts: Es muy común en los medios de comunicación al hablar de crímenes, violencia o actos injustos. En un contexto religioso o moral, se usa para señalar comportamientos que contradicen los valores establecidos. 4) Similar Words comparison: A diferencia de 'juzgar', que es el proceso de evaluar, 'condenar' implica llegar a una conclusión negativa definitiva. Mientras que 'criticar' es una opinión, 'condenar' tiene un peso de autoridad o de una condena moral severa.
Usage Notes
The word is formal and carries weight. It is not used for minor dislikes or simple negative opinions. In legal contexts, it is the standard term used by judges.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it as a synonym for 'to dislike'. Remember it implies a formal or moral judgment. Avoid using it in casual conversation about food or movies.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'con-den-nation' (condenación). It sounds like 'condemnation', which is the English equivalent.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'condemnare', composed of 'con-' (intensive) and 'damnare' (to inflict loss or damage). It has kept its meaning of inflicting a penalty throughout history.
Cultural Context
The term is heavily used in human rights discourse in Spanish-speaking countries. It is the primary verb used to denounce human rights abuses.
Examples
La sociedad debe condenar la violencia.
everydaySociety must condemn violence.
El tribunal lo condenó a prisión perpetua.
formalThe court sentenced him to life imprisonment.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
condenar a prisión
to sentence to prison
ser condenado
to be sentenced
Often Confused With
Juzgar is the act of evaluating evidence or behavior. Condenar is the final negative verdict resulting from that evaluation.
Grammar Patterns
Use prepositions correctly with condenar
Remember that you usually 'condenar a' someone to a punishment. Always link the person with the penalty using this preposition.
Avoid using it for light criticism
Condenar is a very strong word. Do not use it for minor disagreements; use 'criticar' instead.
Legal impact in Spanish speaking countries
In legal contexts, the word carries significant weight in Spanish courts. It is the standard term for sentencing in all Hispanic jurisdictions.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo.
El juez decidió ___ al acusado a diez años de cárcel.
La estructura 'condenar a alguien a una pena' es la forma legal correcta.
Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsJuzgar es el proceso de analizar y evaluar una situación o persona. Condenar, en cambio, es el resultado final cuando se decide que la acción es negativa o que la persona es culpable.
Sí, aunque es un término fuerte. Se usa a menudo en noticias o conversaciones serias para expresar rechazo ante actos de violencia o injusticia.
Es una expresión figurada que significa excluir a alguien de un grupo o sociedad. Implica un rechazo social profundo.
Sí, el verbo condenar sigue las reglas de conjugación de los verbos terminados en -ar. No presenta irregularidades en su raíz.
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More religion words
abad
B2The superior of an abbey of monks, or of a monastery.
abadesa
B2The female superior of a community of nuns.
abadía
B1A monastery or convent governed by an abbot or abbess.
adoración
A2The act of worshiping or showing deep reverence for a deity.
agnóstica
B1A person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God (feminine).
agnosticismo
B2The view that the existence of God, of the divine or the supernatural is unknown or unknowable.
agnóstico
B1A person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God (masculine).
alabar
A2To express warm approval or admiration for; to praise God.
aleluya
A2An exclamation of praise or triumph, often used in religious contexts.
altar
A2A table or sacred place used for religious rituals or offerings.
