Spanish word

descomponer

Pronunciation

IPA/deskompoˈneɾ/

Meaning

  • verbtake apart

Example

No descompongas este reloj sin las herramientas adecuadas.

Don't take apart this watch without the proper tools.

Illustration for descomponer (take apart)

More examples

Voy a descomponer el problema en pasos pequeños.

I'm going to break the problem into small steps.

Core concept

A dismantled clock with its gears and screws spread out.

Common phrases

  • descomponer en partes

    take apart into parts

  • descomponer un aparato

    take apart a device

  • descomponer un problema en pasos

    break a problem into steps

Similar words

romper: Breaks an object's form so it becomes unusable.
desarmar: Removes components to take an assembled object apart.
estropear: Impairs an item's function or appearance, making it less usable or attractive.
averiar: Causes a machine or device to malfunction or stop working.

Definition in Spanish

Separar algo en sus componentes o provocar su descomposición; también indicar que comida se pudre o que una persona pierde la compostura o empieza a sentirse mal en forma pronominal.

Word origin

From Latin componĕre 'put together' with prefix de- 'undo', originally meaning 'undo the putting together' and so used for taking things apart or causing breakdown.

Usage tips

  • Descomponer is transitive to mean causing something to come apart or rot, while descomponerse is reflexive when something spoils, breaks down on its own, or a person loses composure or becomes ill.

Other meanings

  • rotverb
  • upsetverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word