The Meaning of despegar

Word: Despegar

Definition:

Despegar is a Spanish verb that primarily means “to take off,” especially in the context of an aircraft departing from the ground. It can also refer to the act of lifting off or disengaging from a surface or position. Additionally, it can have metaphorical meanings, such as “to detach” or “to get ahead” in a context like business or personal progress.

Usage:

• Aviation: “El avión va a despegar en cinco minutos.” (The plane is going to take off in five minutes.)
• Metaphorical: “Su carrera comenzó a despegar después de esa promoción.” (His career began to take off after that promotion.)
• Detachment: “Despega la etiqueta de la botella antes de reciclarla.” (Detach the label from the bottle before recycling it.)

Etymology:

The word despegar is derived from the prefix “des-” meaning to reverse or remove, and “pegar,” which means “to stick” or “to attach.” Thus, etymologically, it conveys the sense of removing from a sticking position.

Pronunciation:

IPA: /des.pe.ˈɡaɾ/

Synonyms:

• Levantar (to lift)
• Ascender (to ascend)
• Desprender (to detach)

Antonyms:

• Aterrizar (to land)
• Pegar (to stick/touch)
• Estacionar (to park)

This verb is common in both everyday conversation and formal contexts, playing an integral role in discussions about travel, technology, and progress.

1. El avión va a despegar en cinco minutos.
   (The plane is going to take off in five minutes.)

2. Necesitamos esperar a que el sol se despegue de las nubes.
   (We need to wait for the sun to break away from the clouds.)

3. Me siento libre cuando mis problemas empiezan a despegar.
   (I feel free when my problems start to lift away.)

4. La pintura comenzó a despegar de la pared después de la lluvia.
   (The paint started to peel off the wall after the rain.)

5. Su carrera comenzó a despegar después de ganar el concurso.
   (His career started to take off after winning the competition.)

Take your English to the next level with YouTube videos. Tombik.com