Spanish Conversation · Level 29
89 words
Spanish word
copar
Pronunciation
IPA/koˈpaɾ/
Meaning
- verbmonopolize
Example
Los medios coparon la atención con la noticia.
The media monopolized attention with the news.
More examples
La empresa copó el mercado con su nuevo producto.
The company monopolized the market with its new product.
Core concept
A speaker occupying a microphone while others are pushed aside.
Common phrases
copar la atención
monopolize attention
copar el mercado
monopolize the market
copar el poder
monopolize power
Similar words
acaparar: Amasses and keeps a disproportionate share of goods, resources, or attention.
monopolizar: Excludes competitors by taking exclusive control of a market or opportunity.
ocupar: Takes up physical space or scheduled time, filling it so others cannot use it.
absorber: Draws in attention or energy intensely, leaving little for other things.
Definition in Spanish
Apropiarse o ocupar de modo dominante un espacio, una función o la atención pública, impidiendo la participación de otros.
Word origin
The verb comes from the noun copa 'cup' plus the suffix -ar, originally meaning to win or take the cup and now used figuratively to mean taking over a space, function, or public attention.
Usage tips
- Compared with ocupar, copar carries a stronger sense of crowding out or monopolizing, so it commonly signals an aggressive or decisive takeover rather than neutral presence.