Spanish Conversation · Level 98
59 words
Spanish word
velar
Pronunciation
IPA/beˈlaɾ/
Meaning
- verbwatch over
Example
Ella vela por su hijo cada noche.
She watches over her son every night.
More examples
Los vecinos velan por la seguridad del barrio.
The neighbors watch over the security of the neighborhood.
Core concept
An alert caregiver protecting and responding to another person's needs.
Common phrases
velar por alguien
watch over someone
velar por la seguridad
watch over security
velar por la salud
watch over health
Similar words
vigilar: Watches closely and attentively to spot changes or potential problems.
cuidar: Looks after daily personal needs and practical tasks to keep someone cared for.
proteger: Keeps someone safe from attacks, harm, or loss.
Definition in Spanish
Mantener vigilancia o cuidado sobre una persona, grupo o asunto para protegerlo y atender sus necesidades.
Word origin
From Latin vigilare 'to be awake, watch', velar keeps the watchful root and extends it to looking after and protecting someone's welfare.
Usage tips
- Velar usually implies ongoing responsibility or protection rather than a one-time look, and por commonly marks the person who is being cared for.
Other meanings
- take care ofverb
- protectverb
Opposites
- descuidarneglectverb
- desatenderdisregardverb
Related words
- veladorsentrynoun
- velatoriowakenoun
- velaciónall-night vigilnoun