esforzado

Esforzado is a Spanish adjective used to describe a person who makes a sustained effort or is diligent. It signals perseverance and dedication in the face of tasks or difficulties. The term derives from the verb esforzar, meaning to strain or to exert oneself. The feminine form is esforzada, and the plural forms are esforzados (masc.) and esforzadas (fem.).

While commonly used to praise individuals, esforzado can also characterize actions or processes that required considerable effort, as in "un trabajo esforzado" or "un esfuerzo esforzado." However, the latter phrase is less frequent than alternatives such as "un esfuerzo notable" or "un trabajo bien hecho." In practice, esforzado aligns with synonyms like diligente, aplicado, persistente, and tenaz, and contrasts with antonyms such as perezoso or negligente.

The term also has parallels in other Romance languages, such as Portuguese, where esforçado carries a similar meaning. In summary, esforzado conveys a positive assessment of sustained effort and perseverance rather than innate talent.