Inklingo
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adecuadamente

ah-deh-kwah-dah-MEN-teh/aðeˈkwaðamente/

“adecuadamente” means “properly” in Spanish (doing something the right way).

properly

Also: appropriately, suitably
A child carefully placing a square wooden block into a matching square hole in a toy box.

📝 In Action

Lávate las manos adecuadamente antes de comer.

A2

Wash your hands properly before eating.

Es importante vestirse adecuadamente para una entrevista de trabajo.

B1

It is important to dress appropriately for a job interview.

El equipo no respondió adecuadamente a los cambios del mercado.

B2

The team did not respond suitably to the market changes.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • inadecuadamente (inadequately)
  • mal (badly)

Common Collocations

  • funcionar adecuadamente – to work/function properly
  • responder adecuadamente – to respond appropriately
  • preparado adecuadamente – properly prepared

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "adecuadamente" in Spanish:

appropriately→properly→suitably→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: adecuadamente

Question 1 of 3

Which of these means 'to behave properly'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
adecuar(to adapt/adjust) — Verb
adecuado(appropriate/suitable) — Adjective
adecuación(fitness/suitability) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'adaequare', which means 'to make equal' or 'to level'. It comes from 'ad-' (to) and 'aequus' (even/equal).

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: adequatelyFrench: adéquatement

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'adecuadamente' formal?

It is slightly more formal than 'bien' (well) or 'correctamente' (correctly), but it is very common in everyday instructions and work environments.

Can I use 'adecuado' instead?

Only if you are describing a thing (noun). For example, 'un vestido adecuado' (an appropriate dress). If you are describing an action (verb), you must use 'adecuadamente'.

Does 'adecuadamente' always mean 'perfectly'?

Not necessarily. It means 'good enough' or 'fitting for the situation'. It's about being right for the context, not necessarily flawless.