Spanish Conversation · Level 26
90 words
Spanish word
temor
Pronunciation
IPA/teˈmoɾ/
Meaning
- masculine nounfear
Example
Siento temor ante la operación.
I feel fear about the operation.
More examples
Tras practicar la respiración, pudo superar su temor.
After practicing breathing, she was able to overcome her fear.
Core concept
A low, steady unease about a coming danger.
Common phrases
tener temor
have fear
sentir temor
feel fear
superar temor
overcome fear
Similar words
miedo: Immediate, intense fear of a present danger, triggering strong physical reactions.
ansiedad: Persistent nervousness about upcoming events that causes mental unrest and worry.
angustia: Intense, suffocating distress or worry that feels emotionally overwhelming.
inquietud: Mild restlessness or nagging concern that keeps attention focused and prevents relaxation.
Definition in Spanish
Sentimiento de inquietud o miedo ante un peligro real o posible.
Word origin
It derives from Latin timor 'fear', from the verb timēre 'to fear', and enters Spanish via the Romance languages, remaining etymologically linked to the verb temer.
Usage tips
- More common in written or formal registers than in casual speech, where speakers usually say tener miedo, and expressions of uncertain concern often use temer que with the subjunctive.
Other meanings
- apprehensionnoun
Opposites
- valentíacouragenoun
- tranquilidadcalmnessnoun