acalorado

Acalorado is an adjective in Spanish that describes something heated or inflamed, either literally in terms of temperature or figuratively in terms of mood, passion, or intensity. It is used to refer to people, environments, or situations that show strong heat or strong emotional energy. Common figurative uses include descriptions of debates, discussions, or contests that are intensely passionate or contentious, as in un debate acalorado or una discusión acalorada. It can also characterize a person who is emotionally stirred or excited, such as un jugador acalorado after a tense match.

Etymology and related forms: The word derives from the noun calor (heat) with the prefix a- and the participle suffix -ado, and is closely linked to the verb acalorar, which means to inflame, excite, or raise the temperature of someone or something. The feminine form is acalorada and the plural forms are acalorados (masculine) or acaloradas (feminine).

Usage notes: Acalorado often implies a level of intensity beyond ordinary warmth or cordiality. It can describe both physical heat (a calmante, a room) and figurative heat (a heated argument, a fervent crowd). While broadly neutral, it frequently carries connotations of tension or rivalry rather than mere warmth.

See also: calor, acalorar, calidez.