Spanish Conversation · Level 108
59 words
Spanish word
ceñir
Pronunciation
IPA/θeˈɲiɾ/
Meaning
- verbcinch
Example
El cinturón suele ceñir la cintura.
The belt usually cinches the waist.
More examples
La bufanda me ceñía el cuello.
The scarf was cinching my neck.
Core concept
A belt tightened to sit snug against the waist.
Common phrases
ceñir la cintura
cinch the waist
ceñir un vestido
cinch a dress
Similar words
ajustar: Adjusts position or size so something fits comfortably.
apretar: Applies force to squeeze or press parts together tightly.
abrochar: Fastens clothing or bags with buttons, snaps, or zippers.
sujetar: Secures something firmly so it does not move or fall.
Definition in Spanish
Rodear y ajustar una prenda u objeto al contorno de algo, de manera que quede pegado o encajado.
Word origin
From Latin cingĕre 'to gird', sharing the root with cintura and cinturón and carrying the sense of encircling and making something fit closely.
Usage tips
- The reflexive form ceñirse a commonly means 'to adhere to' or 'be confined to' a rule or plan, so the verb appears often in contexts about limits rather than only literal tightening.
Other meanings
- fit snuglyverb
- encircleverb
Opposites
- aflojarloosenverb
- soltarreleaseverb
Related words
- ceñidofittedadjective