Atreverse

Atreverse is a Spanish verb meaning to dare to do something or to venture. It is primarily used as a pronominal verb, requiring reflexive pronouns (me, te, se) and typically followed by the preposition a before an infinitive, as in "atreverse a decir la verdad."

Usage of the verb expresses willingness to take a risk or overcome hesitation. Common constructions include "atreverse a + infinitive," as in "Me atrevo a pedir ayuda" or "¿Te atreves a probarlo?" The form can be used in both present and past contexts, and it often conveys a sense of growing courage or boldness, for example "Se atrevió a hablar ante la audiencia."

Conjugation and forms are regular for a pronominal -erse verb, following standard Spanish patterns with reflexive pronouns. Present indicative forms include: yo me atrevo, tú te atreves, él se atreve, nosotros nos atrevemos, vosotros os atrevéis, ellos se atreven. Preterite forms include: yo me atreví, tú te atreviste, él se atrevió, nosotros nos atrevimos, vosotros os atrevisteis, ellos se atrevieron. Imperfect forms include: yo me atrevía, tú te atrevías, él se atrevía, nosotros nos atrevíamos, vosotros os atrevíais, ellos se atrevían.

Etymology and related terms: atreverse is of Romance origin, developing from an older form such as atrevar or atrevarse in medieval and early modern Spanish, with the reflexive suffix forming the common sense of “dare oneself.” Related nouns include atrevimiento (audacity). Synonyms include aventurarse and arriesgarse; related antonyms express hesitation or refusal, such as negarse or rehusarse. The verb is widely used across Spanish dialects in Spain and Latin America.