ensayar

Ensayar is a Spanish verb of the -ar family that mainly denotes practicing or rehearsing for a performance, such as a play, concert, or speech. It also means to test, try out, or sample a plan, method, or solution, and in a broader sense to attempt something in a provisional or experimental way. The noun ensaio, or ensayo, is related and covers a rehearsal, a trial, or an essay in some contexts.

Etymology and sense development: ensayar derives from the noun ensayo, which historically referred to a trial or rehearsal. The noun itself comes from French essai (a trial, test) and, ultimately, from Latin-adjacent roots linked to testing or attempting. The verb adopts the core sense of trying out something in order to improve or evaluate it.

Usage and examples: In the performing arts, ensayar is used for rehearsing a obra de teatro, una pieza musical, or a discurso. In everyday language, it can mean to test or试验 ideas and plans, for example ensayar un plan, ensayar una hipótesis, or ensayar una solución before full implementation. It is commonly complemented by direct objects: ensayar una técnica, ensayar un prototipo, or ensayar un método.

Conjugation and forms: Ensayar is a regular -ar verb. Key forms include present indicativo: ensayo, ensayas, ensaya, ensayamos, ensayáis, ensayan; aoristo preterite: ensayé, ensayaste, ensayó, ensayamos, ensayasteis, ensayaron; gerundio: ensayando; participio pasado: ensayado. The subjunctive and other tenses follow standard -ar conjugation patterns.

See also: ensayar as a concept of testing, rehearsal, and trial, and its related noun ensayo.