Spanish Conversation · Level 137
44 words
Spanish word
desgraciar
Pronunciation
IPA/desɣɾaˈθjaɾ/
Meaning
- verbbring misfortune on
Example
La guerra desgració a muchas familias.
The war brought misfortune on many families.
More examples
Su error desgració la celebración.
His mistake ruined the celebration.
Core concept
Long-term ruin of a person or thing.
Common phrases
desgraciar a alguien
bring misfortune on someone
desgraciar una celebración
ruin a celebration
Similar words
arruinar: Ruin someone's finances or future prospects, destroying their economic foundations.
dañar: Damage a body, object, or relationship so its function or condition worsens.
perjudicar: Harm a person's rights or opportunities, producing a tangible disadvantage.
afligir: Inflict deep sorrow or grief that heavily weighs on the heart.
Definition in Spanish
Causar infortunio o desgracia a una persona o a algo, provocando consecuencias negativas duraderas.
Word origin
From prefix des- 'undoing' plus gracia (from Latin gratia), originally signifying loss of favour or blessing and so developing the sense of causing misfortune.
Usage tips
- Used for serious, lasting harm rather than a small mishap, and when applied directly to a person it can sound harsh or accusatory.