Values

Definition of original

With its etymological origin in the Latin originālis, original is a term that is often used as an adjective, although it is also used as a noun in certain contexts. The first meaning mentioned by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) in its dictionary refers to that which is linked to the origin (birth, beginning). Original is defined as that which […]

Definition of optional

The first thing we are going to do before going into the meaning of the term optative is to know its etymological origin. In this case, we must establish that it derives from Latin, specifically from the word “optativus”, which can be translated as “that which allows one to choose” and that it is the result of the sum of these lexical components: -The […]

Definition of opt

The verb to opt, derived from the Latin word optāre, refers to the act of choosing something from among various options. It is, therefore, a question of selecting or choosing. For example: “All the dishes seem tempting to me, but I am going to opt for the garlic chicken”, “If the polls are correct, in the runoff the voters will have to choose […]

Definition of notorious

The concept of notorious refers to something that is clear or undeniable, or that is known to all people. It is an adjective that comes from the low Latin notorius. For example: “The deterioration of the building is notorious: the cracks in its walls can be seen with the naked eye”, “It is notorious that the president […]

Definition of nefarious

The notion of nefasto comes from the Latin word nefastus. It is an adjective that can be used to describe a moment, a day or another period of time that is adverse, disastrous or fateful. For example: «Yesterday I had a terrible day: I fought with my girlfriend, argued with my boss and lost my glasses», «2018 […]

Definition of fool

The Latin word nescius came to Castilian as necio. This term describes an ignorant individual who has no knowledge of what he should or could know. Necio also refers to a person who lacks reason or intelligence and to someone who is stubborn or obstinate in his words and actions. It should be noted that the term […]

Definition of mitigation

It is important to know that there are different theories about the etymological origin of the term morigeración. Thus, one of them determines that it derives from Latin, specifically from the verb «morigerare», which can be translated as «try to please». However, another of the most relevant ones indicates that it also comes from Latin. However, it emanates from the expression […]

Definition of moral

A moral is a lesson that is learned from a fable, tale, or other type of story. It is a lesson that generally aims to spread moral values. In the etymology of the word we find the term “moral” (which refers to customs and willpower) and […]

Definition of modesty

Modesty is the characteristic of that which is modest: that is, that which is humble. The term has its etymological root in the Latin language. For example: «The actor once again demonstrated his modesty when he stopped his car to assist another driver who had suffered a mechanical mishap in his vehicle», «It was […]

Definition of mitigate

The first step we are going to take is to know the etymological origin of the term mitigate. In this case, we have to emphasize that it comes from Latin, specifically from the verb “mitigare”, which can be translated as “to calm” or “to soften”. A Latin word that is the result of the sum of two lexical components: -The adjective “mitis”, which […]