Spanish Conversation · Level 37
74 words
Spanish word
derrotar
Pronunciation
IPA/deroˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbbeat
Example
¿Crees que podemos derrotar al equipo rival?
Do you think we can beat the rival team?
More examples
Es difícil derrotar por goleada a un equipo tan fuerte.
It's difficult to beat a team that strong by a wide margin.
Core concept
Opponents left unable to respond after a decisive rout.
Common phrases
derrotar por goleada
beat by a wide margin
derrotar al adversario
beat the opponent
Similar words
ganar: Claims victory in a match or competition as the clear winner.
batir: Beats an opponent by outperforming or outscoring them in a contest.
vencer: Overcomes an opponent in conflict or struggle to secure victory.
Definition in Spanish
Vencer de forma decisiva a una persona, equipo o grupo, provocando su derrota y la pérdida de iniciativa.
Word origin
From Latin dirumpere/derumpere formed from de- + rumpere 'to break', entering Spanish via Romance with the concrete meaning of routing or overwhelming an enemy.
Usage tips
- Derrotar normally takes a direct object (derrotaron al equipo) and carries stronger, more final connotations than perder or vencer.