Spanish word

devenir

Pronunciation

IPA/deβeˈniɾ/

Meaning

  • verbbecome

Example

Eso puede devenir en un problema.

That may become a problem.

Illustration for devenir (become)

More examples

Con esfuerzo, un sueño puede devenir realidad.

With effort, a dream can come true.

Core concept

Endpoint reached after a gradual change.

Common phrases

  • devenir famoso

    become famous

  • devenir realidad

    come true

  • devenir conocido

    become known

Similar words

hacerse: Change into a new role, status, or condition through time, effort, or social process.
ponerse: Enter a brief physical or emotional state, often suddenly.
volverse: Gradually develop into a lasting change in character or attitude.
convertirse: Undergo a major change of form or nature into something else.

Definition in Spanish

Expresa llegar a ser algo o transformarse como resultado de un proceso.

Word origin

The verb traces to Latin devenire (de- + venire 'come'), giving the sense of coming into a new state as the result of a process.

Usage tips

  • Devenir appears more in formal or written contexts and commonly takes en to mean 'result in', while everyday speech often uses ponerse, volverse or hacerse.

Opposites

Word lists with this word