fortalecí

Fortalecí is the first-person singular preterite form of the Spanish verb fortalecer, meaning “I strengthened” or “I fortified.” It is used to describe a completed action in the past where the subject increased strength or improved something.

Etymology and grammar: Fortalecer comes from fuerte (strong) with the -ecer suffix. In the preterite tense, fortalecí is the yo form, with the full paradigm fortalecí, fortaleciste, fortaleció, fortalecimos, fortalecisteis, fortalecieron. The accent on fortalecí marks the syllable that carries the stress in the past tense, helping distinguish it from present-tense forms such as fortaleces or fortalece. Fortalecer’s other tenses and moods follow standard -er verb patterns in Spanish.

Usage: The term is commonly employed in narratives to indicate that someone increased strength, resilience, or efficacy, whether physically, mentally, or procedurally. Examples include: “Fortalecí mi espalda con ejercicios” (I strengthened my back with exercises) and “Fortalecí la posición del equipo durante la negociación” (I strengthened the team’s position during the negotiation). In broader contexts, it can describe reinforcing a policy, argument, or infrastructure when the action is completed.

Related terms: Fortalecimiento (strengthening), fortaleza (strength or fortress), fortalecerse (to become stronger), and fortalecer (to strengthen). The past participle is fortalecido.

See also: fortalecer, fortalecimiento, fortaleza, fortalecimiento personal.