There are many Spanish verbs, often reflexive, the meaning of which can be deduced from an adjective (or recognizable form thereof) or, occasionally, a noun, contained within it. The adjective is usually formed by the prefix en– or em– and the suffix almost always ends in –ecer. The meaning is “to become (to get, to turn)” + adjective. A few adjectives take different prefixes or suffixes, but this should not generally be an impediment to their recognition.

Look at these verbs and try to deduce their meaning from the adjective or noun (or part thereof) contained within, highlighted in bold. Consult the vocabulary list for new adjectives. All answers are listed at the bottom of this page.

1. emblanquecerse
2. empobrecerse
3. enaltecerse
4. enfriarse
5. ennegrecerse
6. enloquecerse
7. enorgullecerse
8. enriquecerse
9. entristecerse
10. adelgazar
11. amanecer
12. anochecer
13. atardecer
14. engordar
15. esclarecer
16. oscurecer

The general rule with the above verbs is that they are used reflexively when the meaning is “to become + adjective” but when used transitively (taking a direct object), they are not. In other words, by removing the reflexive pronoun, when present, most of the above verbs change meaning, for example, emblanquecer = “to make (something) white,” (versus emblanquecerse, “to become white”), enriquecer = “to make rich,” “to enrich” (versus enriquecerse, “to become/get rich”). Note the differing translations of the verbs in the sentences that follow.

Many other adjectives and nouns add an –a to make their corresponding verbal form. Again, recognizing the adjective root helps you identify the meaning of the verb:

Answers to activity above:

1. to become white
2. to become poor
3. to praise/ to exalt [from alto]
4. to grow/become cold
5. to become/turn black
6. to go crazy
7. to feel proud, to be proud, to pride oneself
8. to become rich
9. to become sad
10. to grow thin, to lose weight
11. to dawn, to get up early, to wake up [in a certain place]
12. to get dark, to stay up late
13. to draw toward evening, to get late
14. to grow fat
15. to lighten, to make clear, to clarify
16. to grow dark