Spanish word

empeño

Pronunciation

IPA/emˈpeɲo/

Meaning

  • masculine nouneffort

Example

Con mucho empeño, aprobarás el examen.

With a lot of effort, you will pass the exam.

Illustration for empeño (effort)

More examples

Su empeño en practicar cada día mejoró su pronunciación.

His effort in practicing every day improved his pronunciation.

Core concept

Someone steadily pushing a heavy boulder uphill.

Common phrases

  • poner empeño

    make an effort

  • empeño en

    effort in

Similar words

constancia: Steady long-term perseverance in keeping up the same routine or practice.
tenacidad: Gritty, stubborn determination to keep going despite obstacles.
dedicación: Focused commitment of time and energy to a task or purpose.
persistencia: Repeated attempts and refusal to quit after setbacks.

Definition in Spanish

Esfuerzo sostenido y voluntad firme que alguien aplica para conseguir un objetivo.

Word origin

From Spanish empeñar 'to pledge' and ultimately Latin impignare/pignus 'pledge', the noun evolved to mean the sustained effort that follows a firm commitment.

Usage tips

  • Commonly used in phrases like poner empeño and empeñarse en + infinitive, and while it often praises determination, context can make it imply stubborn persistence rather than wise effort.

Other meanings

  • zealnoun
  • perseverancenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • empeñarsestriveverb
  • empeñadodeterminedadjective

Word lists with this word