calado

depth

noun kah-LAH-doh Rare

Also means

draught

Usage Note

Calado primarily means the draught of a ship (the depth of the hull below the waterline). Figuratively, de gran calado is a very common fixed phrase meaning 'of great depth/significance' — una reforma de gran calado (a far-reaching reform). This figurative use is so frequent in journalism and politics that learners should know it alongside the nautical sense.

Examples

"Una reforma de gran calado afectará a todos."

Natural Translation

A far-reaching reform will affect everyone.

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