Spanish Conversation · Level 1
86 words
Spanish word
evitar
Pronunciation
IPA/eβiˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbavoid
Example
¡Evita comer antes de nadar!
Avoid eating before swimming!
More examples
Evita el tráfico saliendo temprano por la mañana.
Avoid traffic by leaving early in the morning.
Core concept
Deliberately staying out of risky or troublesome situations.
Common phrases
evitar problemas
avoid problems
evitar el tráfico
avoid traffic
evitar discusiones
avoid arguments
Similar words
ignorar: Pretends not to notice a person or what they say and does not respond.
esquivar: Shifts body position rapidly to prevent contact with a danger or obstacle.
eludir: Circumvents an issue or subject by not addressing it head-on.
Definition in Spanish
Abstenerse de exponerse a una persona, cosa o situación que pueda causar daño o molestia.
Word origin
From Latin vitare 'to avoid', Spanish evitar develops as the verbal form meaning to refrain from exposing oneself to people, things, or situations that might cause harm or nuisance.
Usage tips
- To say 'avoid that something happens', Spanish normally uses evitar + que followed by the subjunctive.