Spanish word

colateral

Pronunciation

IPA/kolateˈɾal/

Meaning

  • adjectivecollateral

Example

La ley tuvo consecuencias colaterales para las pequeñas empresas.

The law had collateral consequences for small businesses.

Illustration for colateral (collateral)

More examples

Aprender idiomas a menudo trae un efecto colateral positivo en la confianza.

Learning languages often brings a positive collateral effect on confidence.

Core concept

Secondary side effect.

Common phrases

  • efecto colateral

    collateral effect

  • consecuencia colateral

    collateral consequence

Similar words

secundario: Holds a subordinate role with lower priority or importance.
lateral: Sits on the side, denoting sideways placement or aspect.
accesorio: Exists as an accessory part that accompanies a primary object but is not essential.
periférico: Occupies a marginal position near the outskirts rather than the center.

Definition in Spanish

Que es secundario o accesorio respecto a otra cosa, usado para indicar efectos o aspectos laterales.

Word origin

From Latin collateralis (com- 'with' + lateralis 'side'), ultimately from latus 'side', originally meaning 'alongside' and thus 'secondary'.

Usage tips

  • Spanish colateral is spelled with one l, unlike English collateral with two l's, so the single-L form is correct in Spanish.

Other meanings

  • secondaryadjective
  • lateraladjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word