dotar
“dotar” means “to equip” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to equip, to provide
Also: to supply
📝 In Action
El gobierno decidió dotar al hospital de nuevos equipos de rayos X.
B1The government decided to equip the hospital with new X-ray machines.
Es fundamental dotar a las escuelas con acceso a internet de alta velocidad.
B1It is fundamental to provide schools with high-speed internet access.
Han dotado al parque de una zona de juegos para niños.
B2They have provided the park with a play area for children.
to endow, to gift
📝 In Action
La naturaleza la dotó de una voz privilegiada.
B2Nature endowed her with a privileged voice.
Ese escritor dota a sus personajes de un gran realismo.
C1That writer endows his characters with great realism.
Fue dotado con un talento especial para las matemáticas.
B2He was gifted with a special talent for mathematics.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: dotar
Question 1 of 3
¿Qué preposición se usa normalmente después de 'dotar' para indicar con qué se equipa algo?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'dotare', which originally meant 'to provide with a dowry'. This came from 'dos, dotis', meaning a gift or a marriage portion.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'dotar' always mean giving money?
No. While it can mean providing funds (dotar con un presupuesto), it is just as common for equipping buildings with tools or endowing people with talents.
Is 'dotar' used in everyday conversation?
It is a bit formal. In casual talk, people might say 'poner' or 'dar', but you will see 'dotar' constantly in news articles and formal reports.
What is the difference between 'dotar' and 'equipar'?
'Equipar' is specifically for physical tools or equipment. 'Dotar' is broader and can include funds, personnel, or abstract qualities like 'dotar de sentido' (to give meaning).