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perder — meaning in English: to lose
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to lose
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perder
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native Spanish speakers use the word 'perder' when discussing the loss of objects, experiences, or opportunities. For example, someone might say 'perdí mi teléfono' (I lost my phone) in everyday conversations, or in a more serious context express feelings of loss by saying 'perdí la oportunidad de trabajar en mi sueño' (I lost the opportunity to work in my dream job).
Synonyms & nuances
'Perder' is often used in a more general sense compared to synonyms like 'extraviar,' which specifically means to misplace something. While 'perder' can refer to both physical items and abstract concepts like time, 'extraviar' is typically reserved for tangible objects that are lost.
Culture
'Perder' has roots in the Latin word 'perdere,' which means 'to destroy or ruin.' This reflects a cultural sentiment around loss in relation to chance and fate, evident in proverbs like 'quien no arriesga, no gana' (he who does not risk, does not win), where losing is seen as part of life’s gamble.
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