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aflorar

to surface

verb ah-floh-RAHR Rare

Origin: From a- + flor (flower, surface) + -ar, suggesting something rising to the surface like a flower.

Also means

to emerge

Usage Note

Aflorar describes something hidden or underground coming to the surface — literally (minerals, water) or figuratively (feelings, memories, problems). Sus emociones afloraron means 'her emotions surfaced.' It is intransitive; you cannot use it transitively to mean 'to bring something out' — use sacar a la luz for that.

Examples

"Sus recuerdos afloraron de repente."

Natural Translation

Her memories suddenly surfaced.

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