Inklingo

disparate

dis-pah-RAH-teh/dis.paˈɾa.te/

disparate means nonsense in Spanish (referring to words or ideas that don't make sense).

nonsense, crazy idea

Also: blunder, absurdity
NounmB1
A colorful storybook illustration of a cat wearing large scuba flippers and holding a tiny umbrella while sitting in a bowl of soup.

📝 In Action

¡Lo que estás diciendo es un disparate!

A2

What you are saying is nonsense!

Comprar esa casa vieja por ese precio es un disparate.

B1

Buying that old house for that price is a crazy idea.

No digas más disparates y dime la verdad.

B1

Stop talking nonsense and tell me the truth.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tontería (silliness/nonsense)
  • absurdo (absurdity)
  • locura (craziness)

Antonyms

  • acierto (wise move/success)
  • sensatez (good sense)

Common Collocations

  • decir un disparateto talk nonsense
  • qué disparatehow ridiculous
  • un disparate totalcomplete nonsense

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "disparate" in Spanish:

crazy idea

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: disparate

Question 1 of 3

If your friend suggests flying to the moon on a bicycle, how would you describe that idea in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
disparatar(to talk or act nonsensically)Verb
disparatado(absurd/crazy)Adjective
disparatadamente(absurdly)Adverb
🎵 Rhymes
escapeescaparatecate
📚 Etymology

From the Latin 'disparatus', which means 'separated' or 'scattered'. In Spanish, it evolved to mean a thought that is 'separated' from logic or reason.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: disparate

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'disparate' a swear word?

No, it is not a swear word. It is a common, slightly emphatic way to say something is absurd or ridiculous. It's safe to use in most social situations.

Can I use 'disparate' as an adjective like in English?

Not usually. In Spanish, 'disparate' is a noun (the nonsense). To describe something as 'absurd' using an adjective, you should use 'disparatado'.

What's the difference between 'una tontería' and 'un disparate'?

'Tontería' is a very general word for 'silly thing' or 'nonsense.' 'Disparate' is a bit stronger, often implying a lack of reason or a much bigger, more obvious blunder.