Spanish Conversation · Level 166
15 words
Spanish word
sortear
Pronunciation
IPA/soɾteˈaɾ/
Meaning
- verbget through
Example
El equipo logró sortear las dificultades.
The team managed to get through the difficulties.
More examples
El político intentó sortear las preguntas incómodas en la rueda de prensa.
The politician tried to dodge awkward questions at the press conference.
Core concept
Driver steering skillfully around roadblocks to reach the other side.
Common phrases
sortear obstáculos
get through obstacles
sortear el tráfico
get through traffic
sortear preguntas
dodge questions
Similar words
superar: Overcomes obstacles or difficulties through sustained effort or decisive action.
esquivar: Dodges oncoming objects or attacks by quick bodily movement.
evitar: Avoids undesirable situations or complications beforehand to prevent trouble.
eludir: Evades questions or responsibilities by cleverly sidestepping them.
Definition in Spanish
Lograr pasar o salir airoso de una situación difícil recurriendo a recursos, astucia o maniobra.
Word origin
From Spanish sorteo (a draw or raffle), ultimately from Latin sors 'lot, fate', the verb developed a sense of avoiding or getting around an obstacle and thus of managing to get through by cunning.
Usage tips
- Speakers often add lograr before sortear to emphasize success (lograr sortear), and context or the noun (sorteo versus obstáculos) shows whether it means a raffle or avoiding/overcoming.