Spanish Conversation · Level 34
75 words
Spanish word
ilusionar
Pronunciation
IPA/ilusjoˈnaɾ/
Meaning
- verbmake hopeful
Example
La nueva propuesta me ilusiona.
The new proposal makes me hopeful.
More examples
Las pequeñas victorias ilusionan al equipo.
Small victories raise the team's hopes.
Core concept
An influence that raises someone's expectations and emotional excitement about something that might happen.
Common phrases
ilusionar a alguien
raise someone's hopes
ilusionar a la gente
raise people's hopes
ilusionar con un proyecto
raise hopes about a project
Similar words
entusiasmar: Ignites lively, goal-focused enthusiasm and eager motivation.
emocionar: Stirs intense feelings that deeply touch the heart.
animar: Boosts confidence and courage to try or continue.
Definition in Spanish
Provocar en alguien esperanza o entusiasmo por algo que puede suceder.
Word origin
Derived from the noun ilusión and the verb-forming suffix -ar, where ilusión came to mean hopeful expectation, giving ilusionar the sense of making someone hopeful.
Usage tips
- More emotional than esperar, ilusionar emphasizes an excited, hopeful feeling and frequently appears in the reflexive form ilusionarse when someone mentally invests in a plan or possibility.
Other meanings
- thrillverb
Opposites
- desilusionardisillusionverb
- decepcionarlet downverb
Related words
- ilusiónexpectationnoun
- ilusionadoexpectantadjective
- ilusionantepromisingadjective