Spanish Conversation · Level 101
60 words
Spanish word
supino
Pronunciation
IPA/suˈpino/
Meaning
- adjectivelying face up
Example
El paciente está supino en la camilla.
The patient is lying face up on the examination table.
More examples
Su comentario reveló un desconocimiento supino del tema.
His remark revealed complete ignorance of the topic.
Core concept
Body reclined on the back, face turned upward.
Common phrases
desconocimiento supino
complete ignorance
error supino
gross error
Similar words
acostado: Lying flat on the back with the body horizontal.
tumbado: Lying flat on a bed or the floor, positioned horizontally.
echado: Lying or reclining on a bed or couch, typically for rest or comfort.
Definition in Spanish
Describe la posición de estar tumbado sobre la espalda; por extensión, califica actitudes pasivas o un estado de ineficacia total.
Word origin
From Latin supinus 'on the back', supino enters Spanish as an anatomical adjective and later acquires a figurative sense of passivity or complete ineffectiveness.
Usage tips
- As a Spanish adjective supino is mainly formal or medical, so speakers prefer boca arriba or echado boca arriba in everyday speech and use supino in clinical or literary contexts.
Other meanings
- utteradjective
Opposites
- parcialpartialadjective
- conscienteconsciousadjective