Spanish word

instar

Pronunciation

IPA/insˈtaɾ/

Meaning

  • verburge

Example

Te insto a que vengas mañana.

I urge you to come tomorrow.

Illustration for instar (urge)

More examples

La profesora instó a los alumnos a participar en clase.

The teacher urged the students to participate in class.

Core concept

An official urgently urging someone to act.

Common phrases

  • instar a alguien a hacer algo

    urge someone to do something

  • instar a que + subj

    urge that + subj

Similar words

urgir: Indicates a pressing necessity that requires immediate action.
insistir: Insists repeatedly on the same request until the other person yields.
persuadir: Persuades someone through reasons and explanations to change behavior.

Definition in Spanish

Pedir con urgencia o insistir a alguien para que haga algo, frecuentemente en contextos formales.

Word origin

From Latin instare 'stand upon' (in- 'on' + stare 'stand'), originally 'press upon' and later 'urge someone to act'.

Usage tips

  • Mainly used in formal or official contexts; commonly appears as 'instar a' + infinitive or 'instar a que' + subjunctive.

Other meanings

  • pressverb

Opposites

  • disuadirdissuadeverb

Word lists with this word