Defraudar is to let someone down by failing to live up to their expectations or commitments.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To fail to meet expectations or promises.
- To commit fraud or evade financial obligations.
- Often used to describe broken trust.
Overview
El verbo 'defraudar' es un término versátil en español que abarca desde la decepción emocional hasta el delito financiero. Su uso principal en el nivel B1 se centra en la ruptura de expectativas, cuando alguien no está a la altura de lo que se esperaba. 2) Usage Patterns: Se utiliza frecuentemente en estructuras como 'defraudar a alguien' o 'defraudar las expectativas'. Es un verbo transitivo, por lo que requiere un objeto directo (la persona o cosa que sufre la decepción). 3) Common Contexts: Es común escuchar este término en entornos laborales, donde un empleado puede defraudar a su jefe, o en contextos personales, cuando un amigo no cumple una promesa importante. En el ámbito legal y fiscal, 'defraudar a Hacienda' es una expresión muy común para referirse a la evasión de impuestos. 4) Similar Words comparison: A diferencia de 'decepcionar', que se centra puramente en el sentimiento interno de tristeza o desilusión, 'defraudar' implica una falta de cumplimiento de un compromiso o una norma establecida. Mientras que 'engañar' implica una mentira directa, 'defraudar' enfatiza la traición a la confianza o al deber.
Examples
No quiero defraudar tu confianza.
everydayI don't want to let your trust down.
La empresa fue acusada de defraudar al Estado.
formalThe company was accused of defrauding the State.
Me has defraudado mucho con tu actitud.
informalYou have let me down a lot with your attitude.
Los resultados del estudio defraudaron las expectativas iniciales.
academicThe study results failed to meet initial expectations.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
sentirse defraudado
to feel let down
defraudar la confianza
to betray trust
defraudar al fisco
to evade taxes
Often Confused With
Decepcionar is specifically about emotional disappointment. Defraudar is broader, including broken promises and financial fraud.
Engañar means to trick or lie to someone. Defraudar implies a breach of trust or duty rather than just a lie.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Defraudar is used across all registers, though it carries more weight in formal or legal settings. When talking about people, it usually implies a personal relationship or a professional expectation. In financial contexts, it is a very serious term associated with criminal activity.
Common Mistakes
Students often use 'decepcionar' when they mean 'defraudar' in financial contexts. Remember that 'defraudar' is the correct term for tax evasion. Also, ensure you use the correct preposition 'a' when referring to the person being let down.
Tips
Focus on the root word fraud
Remember that 'defraudar' shares the same root as the English word 'fraud'. This helps in remembering the legal meaning.
Don't confuse with deceive
While it can mean to cheat, its most common use is about failing expectations. Use 'engañar' if you specifically mean to lie.
Fiscal awareness in Spain
In Spain, the term 'defraudar a Hacienda' appears frequently in the news. It is a very serious social and legal issue.
Word Origin
The word comes from the Latin 'defraudare', composed of 'de-' (away from) and 'fraudare' (to cheat). It has maintained its meaning of cheating or failing duties since its origin.
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking countries, the concept of 'defraudar' is heavily linked to corruption and tax evasion scandals, making it a word with significant social weight in political discourse.
Memory Tip
Think of 'fraud' inside 'defraudar'. If someone commits a 'fraud' against you, they have 'defrauded' you.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsSon muy similares, pero 'defraudar' suele implicar que había una expectativa basada en un compromiso o una norma. 'Decepcionar' es un término más general sobre el sentimiento de desilusión.
Sí, es muy común en el ámbito legal. 'Defraudar al fisco' significa no pagar los impuestos correspondientes de forma ilegal.
El sustantivo es 'fraude'. También existe el adjetivo 'defraudado' para describir a la persona que ha sufrido la decepción.
Depende del contexto. En una conversación cotidiana es neutro, pero en noticias o documentos legales adquiere un tono bastante formal.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo.
No quiero ___ a mis padres con mis notas este semestre.
Se necesita el infinitivo después de 'quiero'.
Elige el significado correcto en este contexto: 'El equipo defraudó a sus aficionados'.
El equipo ___.
Defraudar en este contexto significa decepcionar.
Ordena la frase.
Hacienda / al / defraudar / es / delito / un
La estructura correcta requiere la preposición 'a'.
🎉 Score: /3
Summary
Defraudar is to let someone down by failing to live up to their expectations or commitments.
- To fail to meet expectations or promises.
- To commit fraud or evade financial obligations.
- Often used to describe broken trust.
Focus on the root word fraud
Remember that 'defraudar' shares the same root as the English word 'fraud'. This helps in remembering the legal meaning.
Don't confuse with deceive
While it can mean to cheat, its most common use is about failing expectations. Use 'engañar' if you specifically mean to lie.
Fiscal awareness in Spain
In Spain, the term 'defraudar a Hacienda' appears frequently in the news. It is a very serious social and legal issue.
Examples
4 of 4No quiero defraudar tu confianza.
I don't want to let your trust down.
La empresa fue acusada de defraudar al Estado.
The company was accused of defrauding the State.
Me has defraudado mucho con tu actitud.
You have let me down a lot with your attitude.
Los resultados del estudio defraudaron las expectativas iniciales.
The study results failed to meet initial expectations.
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.
aburrida
A2Bored or boring (for a female).
