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celo

SEH-loh/ˈθelo/ (Spain), /ˈselo/ (Latin America)

zeal

Also: dedication, diligence
NounmB2
A person with a wide smile and bright eyes vigorously waving a colorful banner.

📝 In Action

El joven médico cumple con su deber con mucho celo.

B2

The young doctor carries out his duty with great zeal.

Debemos proteger nuestras tradiciones con celo.

B2

We must protect our traditions with dedication.

Trabaja con un celo profesional envidiable.

C1

He works with an enviable professional diligence.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • esmero (care/attention to detail)
  • fervor (fervor)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • con celo – with zeal/carefully
  • celo profesional – professional dedication

adhesive tape

Also: Scotch tape, Sellotape
NounmA2
Spain
A roll of clear shiny plastic adhesive tape sitting on a wooden table.

📝 In Action

¿Me pasas el celo para cerrar el paquete?

A2

Can you pass me the tape to close the package?

He pegado el cartel con un poco de celo.

A2

I've put up the poster with a bit of tape.

No queda celo en el cajón.

B1

There is no tape left in the drawer.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cinta adhesiva (adhesive tape (universal term))

Common Collocations

  • rollo de celo – roll of tape
  • pegar con celo – to stick with tape

heat

Also: rut
NounmB2
A pair of deer standing close together in a lush forest clearing.

📝 In Action

La gata está en celo y no deja de maullar.

B2

The cat is in heat and won't stop meowing.

El perro se pone agresivo cuando hay una hembra en celo.

B2

The dog gets aggressive when there is a female in heat.

Es la época de celo de los ciervos.

C1

It is the rutting season for the deer.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • estro (estrus (scientific))

Common Collocations

  • estar en celo – to be in heat
  • época de celo – mating season

I watch over

Also: I hide
VerbC1formal
A focused lighthouse keeper looking through a telescope towards the sea.
gerundcelando
past Participlecelado
infinitivecelar

📝 In Action

Yo celo por el cumplimiento de las leyes.

C1

I watch over the fulfillment of the laws.

Celo mis sentimientos para que nadie sufra.

C2

I hide my feelings so that no one suffers.

Como guardia, celo la entrada principal.

C1

As a guard, I watch over the main entrance.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedescelaran
yocelara
túcelaras
vosotroscelarais
nosotrosceláramos
él/ella/ustedcelara

present

ellos/ellas/ustedescelen
yocele
túceles
vosotrosceléis
nosotroscelemos
él/ella/ustedcele

indicative

preterite

ellos/ellas/ustedescelaron
yocelé
túcelaste
vosotroscelasteis
nosotroscelamos
él/ella/ustedceló

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedescelaban
yocelaba
túcelabas
vosotroscelabais
nosotroscelábamos
él/ella/ustedcelaba

present

ellos/ellas/ustedescelan
yocelo
túcelas
vosotrosceláis
nosotroscelamos
él/ella/ustedcela
View All Tenses & Moods →

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✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: celo

Question 1 of 3

If you are in a shop in Madrid and ask for 'celo', what are you looking for?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From Latin 'zelus', which came from Greek 'zēlos' meaning 'ardor, fervor, or jealousy'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: zealItalian: zelo

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'celo' and 'celos'?

'Celo' (singular) usually means dedication, adhesive tape (in Spain), or an animal's heat cycle. 'Celos' (plural) almost always refers to romantic jealousy.

Can I use 'celo' for tape in Mexico?

It's better not to. In Mexico and most of Latin America, people say 'cinta' or 'durex'. Using 'celo' might cause confusion.

How do you say 'to be jealous' using this word?

You don't usually use 'estar' with this word for jealousy. You say 'tener celos' (to have jealousy).