Spanish Conversation · Level 139
45 words
Spanish word
avocar
Pronunciation
IPA/aβoˈkaɾ/
Meaning
- verbassume jurisdiction
Example
El tribunal superior avocó el asunto.
The superior court assumed jurisdiction over the matter.
More examples
Al final, Marta avocó la coordinación del viaje.
In the end, Marta assumed coordination of the trip.
Core concept
A higher court calling a case to itself.
Similar words
asumir: Accepts a duty or role and takes responsibility for performing it.
intervenir: Intervenes in an ongoing matter to participate in managing or resolving it.
tomar: Takes up an issue to be considered and acted upon.
Definition in Spanish
Tomar para sí la competencia sobre un asunto que correspondía a otro órgano, especialmente cuando una autoridad superior asume el caso.
Word origin
Latin advocare (ad- 'to' + vocare 'call') literally means 'call to oneself', and in law it denotes a superior body calling a matter into its own jurisdiction.
Usage tips
- It is a formal legal term often found in judgments and news reports, and in casual speech speakers use hacerse cargo or asumir la competencia; English advocate has a different meaning.