Spanish word

afianzar

Pronunciation

IPA/afjanˈθaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbstrengthen

Example

Necesitamos afianzar la confianza entre nosotros.

We need to strengthen the trust between us.

Illustration for afianzar (strengthen)

More examples

Es útil practicar para afianzar la confianza en uno mismo.

It is useful to practice to strengthen self-confidence.

Core concept

Reinforcing a beam with metal brackets.

Common phrases

  • afianzar la confianza en uno mismo

    strengthen self-confidence

  • afianzar vínculos profesionales

    strengthen professional ties

Similar words

reforzar: Increases the strength, power, or effect of something.
consolidar: Stabilizes a foundation, position, or plan to make it lasting.
asegurar: Makes a place or situation safe and reliably secure.
garantizar: Guarantees that a result, obligation, or promise will be fulfilled.

Definition in Spanish

Dar seguridad o garantía a algo, y por extensión establecer firmemente una idea, relación o posición.

Word origin

The verb is formed from prefix a- plus fiar (from Latin fid- 'trust') and the verb-forming suffix -zar, so it originally means 'to make trusted' and therefore 'to secure or guarantee something'.

Usage tips

  • Afianzar normally takes a direct object (afianzar algo); use afianzarse to say something or someone becomes established, and common collocations include afianzar una posición and afianzar relaciones.

Other meanings

  • establishverb
  • secureverb

Opposites

Related words

  • afianzamientoestablishmentnoun
  • afianzadoestablishedadjective

Word lists with this word