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"Amputate" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "amputar", and "sever" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "cortar". Learn more about the difference between "amputate" and "sever" below.
amputate(
ahm
-
pyu
-
teyt
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to cut off)
a. amputar
The poor soldier had to have his leg amputated without anesthetic.Al pobre soldado le tuvieron que amputar la pierna sin anestesia.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. amputar
The surgeon said the girl's foot had become gangrenous and he would have to amputate.El cirujano dijo que a la niña se le había gangrenado el pie, y que habría que amputar.
sever(
seh
-
vuhr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to cut off)
a. cortar
The tree that fell severed the power line from the house.El árbol que se cayó cortó el cable que lleva electricidad a la casa.
2. (figurative) (to end)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. romper
The two nations severed all communications between them after the plane was shot down.Las dos naciones rompieron toda comunicación entre ellas después de que el avión fue derribado.
b. cortar
You can't sever ties with your brother just because you two had a little spat.No puedes cortar lazos con tu hermano tan solo porque tuvieron una pequeña disputa.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. cortarse
If this line severs, the hot-air balloon will float away.Si esta cuerda se corta, el globo de aire caliente se irá volando.
