Desvelo

Desvelo is a noun used in Spanish and Portuguese with several related senses. In Spanish, the most common meaning is a state of wakefulness or insomnia, that is, the act of not sleeping. It can also refer to care, concern, or vigilant attention directed at someone or something, as in a situation where someone acts with especial dedication or worry. In this usage, desvelo often carries a positive connotation of zeal or devotion.

In Portuguese, desvelo typically denotes care, diligence, or attentive devotion. While it can appear in literary contexts to express a sleepless concern, insomnia is more commonly described with insônia. The sense related to care is frequent in everyday language, for example in phrases that highlight careful attention or meticulous effort.

Etymology and related forms: The word desvelo comes from the verb desvelar, formed by the prefix des- and velar, related to watching or keeping awake. The noun desvelos appears in both languages in parallel ways, describing either sleeplessness or devoted attention depending on context.

Usage notes: In Spanish, phrases like desvelos por la salud o por la familia emphasize concern and dedication, while desvelo nocturno highlights sleepless nights. In Portuguese, desvelo largely conveys care or diligence, as in a gesture performed with great desvelo.

See also: insônia, vigilia, desvelar, velar, cuidado, diligência.