desestimar
“desestimar” means “to dismiss” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to dismiss
Also: to reject
📝 In Action
El juez decidió desestimar la demanda por falta de pruebas.
B2The judge decided to dismiss the lawsuit due to a lack of evidence.
El comité desestimó la propuesta inicial del proyecto.
B2The committee rejected the initial project proposal.
Si no completas los documentos, podrían desestimar tu solicitud.
B1If you don't complete the documents, they might dismiss your application.
to disregard
Also: to brush aside
📝 In Action
No deberías desestimar sus consejos; tiene mucha experiencia.
B1You shouldn't disregard his advice; he has a lot of experience.
Ella desestimó el rumor de inmediato.
B2She brushed aside the rumor immediately.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desestimar
Question 1 of 3
What does a judge do when they 'desestiman' a case?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the prefix 'des-' (meaning 'removal' or 'undoing') and the Latin verb 'aestimare' (meaning 'to value' or 'to assess'). Essentially, it means to stop valuing something or to judge it as not valid.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'desestimar' the same as 'subestimar'?
No. 'Desestimar' means to reject or dismiss an idea or legal case. 'Subestimar' means to underestimate someone's power, value, or ability.
Can I use 'desestimar' if I don't want a coffee?
Not really. It's too formal. For coffee, say 'No, gracias' or 'Rechacé el café.' 'Desestimar' is for ideas, laws, and requests.
Is it a common word?
It is very common in the news and in work emails, but you won't hear it much in casual street slang.