does prevent mean impedir or prevenir
Why does the english word " To Prevent" have 2 spanish meanings. What meaning should I use?
5 Answers
Welcome to the forum. They're called synonyms. Every language has more than one way to say things. Spanish is no exception.
In most cases synonyms can be used interchangeably. In some cases not, depending on context. Prevenir and impedir are like the English words prevent and impede. Very, very close, but not identical in all cases.
For me "prevenir" means to keep something from happening. before it has happened or even thought about. "Impedir" for me is to "impede".... to stop something that is already in progress. The two are very close.
If "contraarrestar" can be substituted, then "impedir" IS the most correct.
"El bloqueo (embargo) impide el comercio con fin de prevenir el desarrollo natural de la economía,"
"The embargo impedes trade in order to prevent the natural development of the economy."
To impede is to slow down, to make it more difficult for something to occur. To prevent is to stop something from occurring.
eg. They attempted to prevent the flood, however the dam only impeded (slowed down) the rush of water into the city.
prevenir
Welcome to the forum!
To me, the words have different uses. Could you give a sentence to see which fits best?
