Fortaleciese

Fortaleciese is a conjugated form of the Spanish verb fortalecer (to strengthen) or fortalecerse (to become stronger). It functions as the imperfect subjunctive form in the -iese variant, used in subordinate clauses to express hypothetical, doubtful, or non-real actions in the past. In practice, this form appears most often in formal or literary writing; in everyday speech speakers commonly use the alternative imperfect subjunctive endings such as fortaleciera or the corresponding reflexive constructions.

Etymology and overview: fortalecer derives from the Latin fortis, meaning strong, combined with a formative ending to indicate making or becoming. The imperfect subjunctive forms, including fortaleciese and fortalecería, are used to describe conditions or situations that were imagined, uncertain, or contingent at a past time.

Usage: Fortaleciese appears in clauses introduced by Si, Como si, or other contexts requiring the imperfect subjunctive. It can indicate a hypothetical outcome or a non-real past event. The reflexive form se fortaleciese emphasizes the subject improving or fortifying oneself: Si él se fortaleciese con el entrenamiento diario, podría rendir mejor. Fortaleciese can also occur without the reflexive pronoun in non-reflexive constructions: Si el equipo fortaleciese su defensa, tendría más posibilidades.

Regional variation: Spanish offers two common imperfect subjunctive endings for -er/-ir verbs: -iese (fortaleciese) and -iese with or without the reflexive pronoun, as well as -iera forms (fortaleciera). Both sets are correct; regional preference varies, with the -se and -ra variants coexisting in many dialects.

See also: Spanish grammar, Imperfect subjunctive, Fortalecer, Fortalecerse.