Spanish Conversation · Level 100
58 words
Spanish word
protagonizar
Pronunciation
IPA/pɾotaɣoniˈθaɾ/
Meaning
- verbplay a central role in
Example
En la reunión, él protagonizó la discusión.
At the meeting, he played a central role in the discussion.
More examples
El futbolista protagonizó un escándalo en la prensa.
The footballer played a central role in a scandal in the press.
Core concept
The central element that sets the course of a story, event, or discussion.
Common phrases
protagonizar un escándalo
play a central role in a scandal
protagonizar una pelea
play a central role in a fight
protagonizar una portada
make the front page
Similar words
liderar: Take charge of a group or activity and guide its actions toward a shared goal.
encabezar: Stand at the front of a group or initiative as its visible head.
dirigir: Manage and coordinate the running of a meeting, organization, or project.
dominar: Exert strong influence that controls the tone or direction of a situation.
Definition in Spanish
Ser el elemento central que marca el curso de una acción, relato o debate.
Word origin
Derived from protagonista plus the verbalizing suffix -izar and ultimately from Greek protágōnistēs, the verb denotes taking or conferring the role of protagonist on someone or something.
Usage tips
- Unlike liderar, protagonizar highlights being the attention-getting, outcome-shaping presence rather than directing others, and it therefore often translates differently from a plain 'lead'.
Other meanings
- play the lead roleverb
- leadverb
Opposites
- relegarrelegateverb
Related words
- protagonistaprotagonistnoun
- protagonismoprominencenoun