sentenciar
“sentenciar” means “to sentence” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to sentence
Also: to convict
📝 In Action
El juez sentenció al acusado a diez años de prisión.
B1The judge sentenced the accused to ten years in prison.
Después de un largo juicio, finalmente lo van a sentenciar hoy.
B1After a long trial, they are finally going to sentence him today.
La ley prohíbe sentenciar a alguien sin pruebas suficientes.
B2The law prohibits sentencing someone without sufficient evidence.
to seal (someone's fate)
Also: to doom
📝 In Action
Ese error garrafal sentenció el partido a favor del otro equipo.
C1That huge mistake sealed the game in favor of the other team.
Su falta de puntualidad sentenció sus posibilidades de ascenso.
C1His lack of punctuality doomed his chances of a promotion.
Con un gesto frío, ella sentenció el fin de la relación.
C2With a cold gesture, she signaled the definitive end of the relationship.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sentenciar
Question 1 of 3
El juez ____ al ladrón a dos años de libertad condicional.
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'sententiare,' which comes from 'sententia' (an opinion, feeling, or way of thinking). It reflects the idea of a judge giving their formal 'thought' or opinion on a case.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'sentenciar' always mean something negative?
Usually, yes. Since it involves legal punishment or sealing a fate, the outcome is typically a penalty or an end to something.
Is 'sentenciar' a common word in daily conversation?
Not really. You'll hear it in news reports, crime shows, or formal debates. In daily life, people might use 'condenar' or simply say 'decidir'.
How do you say 'sentenced to life'?
You would say 'sentenciado a cadena perpetua'.