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sofocante

stifling

adjective soh-foh-KAHN-teh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Conditions

Also means

suffocating, sweltering

Usage Note

Sofocante is the present participle of sofocar ('to suffocate, to smother') used as an adjective, so it is invariable for gender but pluralises as sofocantes. It most commonly describes oppressive heat (calor sofocante) but also applies to oppressive atmospheres or situations. Do not confuse with bochornoso, which also means 'sultry' but additionally carries the sense of 'embarrassing'.

Examples

"El calor sofocante impedía cualquier actividad."

Natural Translation

The stifling heat prevented any activity.

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