primar
“primar” means “to prevail” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to prevail
Also: to take precedence, to predominate
📝 In Action
En este diseño debe primar la sencillez.
B2In this design, simplicity must prevail.
Los intereses personales no pueden primar sobre el bien común.
C1Personal interests cannot take precedence over the common good.
En la decisión final primó el criterio económico.
B2The economic criteria was the deciding factor in the final decision.
to give a bonus
Also: to incentivize
📝 In Action
La empresa decidió primar la productividad este trimestre.
C1The company decided to reward productivity this quarter.
Se primará a los trabajadores que no falten nunca.
C1Workers who are never absent will be given a bonus.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: primar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'Safety is the most important thing'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'primus', meaning 'first'. It refers to putting something in the first position of importance.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'primar' related to 'primo' (cousin)?
Yes, distantly! Both come from 'primus' (first). A 'primo' was originally the 'first' rank of relative outside your immediate family, and 'primar' is putting something 'first' in priority.
Can I use 'primar' for people?
Usually no. You don't 'prevail' a person; you 'prevail over' an idea, interest, or value. However, you can 'primar' (reward) a person with a bonus in a technical/work sense.
What is the difference between 'primar' and 'priorizar'?
'Priorizar' is the active choice to put things in order (I prioritize my tasks). 'Primar' often describes the state of importance (Simplicity prevails in this room).