Spanish Conversation · Level 132
45 words
Spanish word
celo
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈθelo/
Meaning
- masculine nounenthusiasm
Example
Ella trabaja con celo en el proyecto.
She works with enthusiasm on the project.
More examples
El profesor atiende las preguntas con celo para que nadie se confunda.
The teacher attends to the questions carefully so that no one gets confused.
Core concept
Attentive, persistent focus on detail in work.
Common phrases
atender con celo
attend to carefully
Similar words
empeño: Applies steady effort to overcome obstacles and reach a specific goal.
dedicación: Commits sustained time and concentrated attention to an activity over the long term.
afán: Exerts eager, energetic effort driven by a strong desire to achieve.
esmero: Produces careful, neatly finished work through attention to fine points.
Definition in Spanish
Empeño aplicado con cuidado y meticulosidad en la ejecución de una tarea.
Word origin
Borrowed via Latin zelus from Greek zēlos 'zeal', and in Spanish the sense narrowed to emphasize painstaking attention and precision.
Usage tips
- Although related to English 'zeal', 'celo' often highlights meticulousness rather than emotional fervor, so expect it in contexts about careful work.
Other meanings
- meticulousnessnoun
- carefulnessnoun
Opposites
- negligencianegligencenoun
Related words
- celosamentemeticulouslyadverb