demente
/deh-MEN-teh/
insane
The adjective demente describes a state of mind that is insane or irrational.
demente(Adjective)
insane
?Describing behavior or state of mind
,mad
?Crazy or extremely foolish
unhinged
?Figurative description
,crazy
?Informal description of an idea or action
📝 In Action
La idea de escalar esa montaña sin equipo me parece demente.
B1The idea of climbing that mountain without equipment seems insane to me.
Su comportamiento en la reunión fue completamente demente.
B2His behavior in the meeting was completely mad.
Tuvieron que detener a la mujer demente.
B1They had to stop the insane woman.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Consistency
As an adjective, 'demente' is special because it always stays the same, whether you are describing a masculine or feminine noun: 'el plan demente' (the insane plan) and 'la propuesta demente' (the insane proposal).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
'Demente' is generally a stronger, more formal word than 'loco.' Use 'demente' when referring to medical or legal issues, or when expressing strong disapproval of behavior.
When used as a noun, demente refers to a male person, a madman.
demente(Noun)
madman
?Male person (use 'la demente' for female)
,lunatic
?A person who is mad or reckless
crazy person
?General reference
📝 In Action
El demente escapó del hospital psiquiátrico.
B2The madman escaped from the psychiatric hospital.
La demente fue detenida después de causar destrozos.
C1The lunatic (female) was detained after causing damage.
💡 Grammar Points
Referring to People
When 'demente' is used as a noun, it refers to the person. You must use the correct article ('el' for a man, 'la' for a woman) even though the word 'demente' itself doesn't change: 'el demente' / 'la demente'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: demente
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'demente' correctly as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'demente' the same as 'loco'?
They both mean 'crazy,' but 'demente' is generally more formal and serious, often implying a clinical or legal state of madness. 'Loco' is much more casual and can be used lightly (like 'that's crazy!').
Does 'demente' ever change its ending to match the noun?
No. 'Demente' is one of those Spanish adjectives that always ends in '-e' regardless of whether the noun it describes is masculine or feminine, singular or plural. For example, 'los planes dementes' (the insane plans).