Spanish Conversation · Level 39
74 words
Spanish word
empeñar
Pronunciation
IPA/empeˈɲaɾ/
Meaning
- verbinsist
Example
Ella se empeñó en terminar el proyecto a tiempo.
She insisted on finishing the project on time.
More examples
Tuvo que empeñar su guitarra para comprar comida.
He had to pawn his guitar to buy food.
Core concept
A person firmly committed to a decision.
Common phrases
empeñarse en
insist on
empeñar un objeto
pawn an item
Similar words
insistir: Repeatedly expresses a request or opinion to try to obtain agreement.
empecinarse: Stubbornly refuses to change a chosen plan or belief.
perseverar: Continues steady effort through difficulties until a goal is reached.
Definition in Spanish
Entregar un objeto como prenda o garantía para obtener dinero; en forma pronominal, insistir con mucha determinación en lograr algo.
Word origin
The verb derives from medieval Latin impignāre 'to pledge' (from pignus 'pledge'), with the idea of being pledged to something evolving into the meaning of fixing one's will on a course of action.
Usage tips
- Empeñarse normally appears with en + infinitive to mark determination or stubbornness, so translating it with insistir may miss the stronger, self-imposed sense.