antídoto
/an-TEE-doh-toh/
antidote
An 'antídoto' is a medical substance used to counteract the effects of a poison.
antídoto(noun)
antidote
?medical substance used to counteract poison
counter-poison
?technical medical term
📝 In Action
Los científicos están buscando un antídoto para el veneno de esta serpiente.
B1Scientists are looking for an antidote for this snake's venom.
Necesitamos el antídoto inmediatamente.
A2We need the antidote immediately.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'o', it follows the standard rule for masculine nouns. Use 'el' or 'un' with it.
The Stress Rule
This word has a written accent on the 'í'. This means you must emphasize the 'TEE' sound when speaking.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Accent
Mistake: ""
Correction: Always write and pronounce the accent on the 'í': an-TÍ-do-to.
⭐ Usage Tips
Preposition Choice
When saying what the antidote is FOR, use the word 'para' (e.g., antídoto para el veneno).
Figuratively, an 'antídoto' can be a positive remedy or relief for a difficult or bad situation.
antídoto(noun)
antidote
?a figurative remedy for a bad situation
,cure
?a solution for a non-medical problem
remedy
?something that corrects a fault
📝 In Action
La risa es el mejor antídoto para el estrés.
B1Laughter is the best antidote for stress.
El estudio es un antídoto contra la ignorancia.
B2Study is an antidote against ignorance.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Contra' vs 'Para'
You can use both 'para' (for) and 'contra' (against) when describing what the antidote is fighting. Both are natural.
⭐ Usage Tips
Abstract Concepts
Use this word to sound more descriptive and poetic when talking about feelings like sadness, boredom, or stress.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: antídoto
Question 1 of 1
Which of these is the most common figurative 'antídoto' for boredom?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'antídoto' for a computer virus?
While people will understand you, it is more common to use the word 'antivirus'. However, in a poetic sense, you could call a patch or fix an 'antídoto'.
Is 'antídoto' always used for something bad?
Yes, an antidote is always used to stop or fix something negative, whether it is literal poison or a bad mood.