The Meaning of apurar

Keyword: Apurar

Definition: “Apurar” is a Spanish verb that primarily means “to hurry” or “to rush.” It can also mean “to drain” or “to exhaust” in the sense of using up resources or a drink. Additionally, it can be used colloquially to refer to putting pressure on someone or causing them to act quickly.

Usage:

• In a sentence: “Apúrate, que llegamos tarde.” (Hurry up, we are going to be late.)
• In another context: “Debemos apurar el proyecto antes de la fecha límite.” (We must rush the project before the deadline.)

Etymology: The term “apurar” comes from the Latin word “pūrare,” which means “to purify” or “to clear.” The prefix “a-” signifies a direction or a tendency, which in this context implies movement towards a goal or completion.

Pronunciation: /a.puˈɾaɾ/ (ah-poo-RAHR)

• Phonetic transcription: [a.puˈɾaɾ]

Synonyms:

• Acelerar (to accelerate)
• Darse prisa (to hurry)
• Apremiar (to urge)

Antonyms:

• Retardar (to delay)
• Prolongar (to prolong)
• Calmar (to calm)

This term is commonly used in everyday conversation across Spanish-speaking countries, with its meanings varying slightly in different contexts.

1. Es hora de apurar el paso si queremos llegar a tiempo.
   It’s time to hurry up if we want to arrive on time.

2. No me apures, necesito un momento para pensar.
   Don’t rush me, I need a moment to think.

3. Apura tu bebida, vamos a salir en cinco minutos.
   Finish your drink quickly, we’re leaving in five minutes.

4. Apuraron la reunión para discutir los nuevos proyectos.
   They hurried the meeting to discuss the new projects.

5. Si no apuras el trabajo, no podrás ir a la fiesta.
   If you don’t speed up the work, you won’t be able to go to the party.