Spanish Conversation · Level 174
15 words
Spanish word
desafiar
Pronunciation
IPA/desaˈfjaɾ/
Meaning
- verbchallenge
Example
¿Por qué me desafías?
Why are you challenging me?
More examples
Me propuse desafiar a mí mismo aprendiendo un idioma nuevo.
I set out to challenge myself by learning a new language.
Core concept
Daring someone to prove themselves.
Common phrases
desafiar a uno mismo
challenge oneself
desafiar a un rival
challenge a rival
Similar words
retar: Offers a contest that tests someone's skill or competitive strength.
provocar: Stimulates someone to draw out a reaction or strong emotion.
confrontar: Faces someone directly to address a dispute or difficult issue.
enfrentar: Faces a difficulty or opponent head-on to deal with it.
Definition in Spanish
Pedir a alguien que acepte un reto o demostrar que puede superar una prueba; también enfrentarse a una persona o norma para mostrar oposición.
Word origin
From medieval French desfier and ultimately from Latin diffidere (dis- + fidere 'trust'), originally meaning mistrust and later shifting to 'challenge' or 'defy'.
Usage tips
- Desafiar often sounds stronger than a casual invitation, so native speakers prefer retar or proponer for milder challenges among friends.