Spanish Conversation · Level 104
59 words
Spanish word
adrede
Pronunciation
IPA/aˈðɾeðe/
Meaning
- adverbon purpose
Example
¿Lo hiciste adrede?
Did you do it on purpose?
More examples
Ella lo hizo adrede para llamar la atención.
She did it on purpose to get attention.
Core concept
An arrow shot straight at a target.
Common phrases
hacer algo adrede
do something on purpose
decir algo adrede
say something on purpose
romper algo adrede
break something on purpose
Similar words
a propósito: Marks intentional action and conveys a neutral or polite tone for everyday use.
Definition in Spanish
Realizar una acción con intención, no por accidente.
Word origin
From the older phrase a derecho (from Latin directus 'straight'), where the sense of 'straight' extended to acting deliberately.
Usage tips
- Common in spoken Spanish to ask whether someone acted intentionally, but it often sounds accusatory, so use a propósito for a softer, more polite phrasing.
Opposites
- accidentalmenteaccidentallyadverb
- involuntariamenteunintentionallyadverb