To hang
Definition
To catch, suspend, or fix an object onto a support (nail, branch, sharp edge); to hang. In its reflexive form, it means to hold on tightly with hands, nails, or claws to a high structure in order to support oneself or climb. Figuratively, it denotes becoming clingy or persistent, or a plant securing itself with tendrils. Although a native inherited form, it has gradually lost ground to the more common variant 'agăța'.
Bilingual Equivalents
- To hang
- To latch on
Grammatical & Source Details
| Inflection Type | First conjugation verb, transitive and reflexive. |
| Formation | Inherited from reconstructed Latin '*accaptiare', showing an uncharacteristic sound shift from 'pt' to 'ț'. |
| Spelling / Pronunciation | [a.kə.ˈt͡sa] |
| Source | Dictionary of Romanian Etymological History |
Contextual Usage Examples
RO: Drumețul și-a acățat traista de creanga unui stejar bătrân înainte de a se culca pe iarbă.
EN: The traveler hung his pouch on the branch of an old oak tree before sleeping on the grass.
RO: Copiii s-au acățat iute pe crengile cele mai de sus ale mărului pentru a culege fructele coapte.
EN: The children quickly climbed up onto the highest branches of the apple tree to pick the ripe fruits.
Idioms & Phrases
A se acăța ca scaiul de oaie / To stick like a burr / to cling relentlessly
RO: Expresie plastică ce descrie o persoană extrem de sâcâitoare, de care nu poți scăpa ușor.
EN: Vivid phrase describing an extremely bothersome or clinging person who is difficult to shake off.
A se acăța de un pai / To clutch at a straw
RO: Zicală populară referitoare la omul aflat la ananghie sau în pericol de înec, care recurge la orice speranță minoră.
EN: Popular saying referring to a desperate person in danger or distress who relies on any minor thread of hope.
Haină acățată / Snagged coat
RO: O piesă de îmbrăcăminte deteriorată sau prinsă involuntar într-un cui ori mărăcine de pe drum.
EN: A piece of clothing damaged or involuntarily caught on a nail or bramble along the path.
Keywords
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