Spanish word

destacar

Pronunciation

IPA/destaˈkaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbstand out

Example

En el grupo, destaca por su sonrisa.

In the group, he stands out for his smile.

Illustration for destacar (stand out)

More examples

En la foto, destacó el color del cielo.

In the photo, the color of the sky stood out.

Core concept

A bright spotlight on one performer in an otherwise dark stage.

Common phrases

  • destacar por

    stand out for

  • destacar entre

    stand out among

Similar words

llamar la atención: Captures people's attention or interest through something striking or unusual.
sobresalir: Appears markedly prominent in a crowd, drawing attention.
resaltar: Makes a particular aspect stand out clearly for emphasis.
atraer: Pulls people's eyes or interest toward it.

Definition in Spanish

Sobresalir o llamar la atención frente a los demás por alguna cualidad.

Word origin

The verb derives from de- plus Italian staccare 'to detach', with an original sense 'separate and make distinct' that develops into being perceived apart from the rest.

Usage tips

  • When giving the cause, Spanish typically pairs destacar por + reason, while destacar en commonly pairs with a field or subject to indicate strong performance there.

Other meanings

  • emphasizeverb
  • excelverb

Opposites

Related words

  • destacadoprominentadjective
  • destacablenoteworthyadjective
  • destacadamentenotablyadverb

Word lists with this word