sentar cátedra

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hold forth authoritatively, pontificate
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/senˈtaɾ ˈkatedɾa/
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To speak as though one has decisive authority on a subject.

Examples

  • Opina dos minutos y ya pretende sentar cátedra.
    He speaks for two minutes and already wants to pontificate.
  • La historiadora sentó cátedra sobre el periodo colonial.
    The historian spoke with authority on the colonial period.
  • No hace falta sentar cátedra en cada conversación.
    You need not pontificate in every conversation.
  • En la mesa redonda, nadie quiso sentar cátedra.
    At the panel discussion, nobody wanted to speak as the final authority.
  • El ensayo sienta cátedra sobre la poesía de la época.
    The essay sets the standard for writing on the period’s poetry.

Similar words

pontificar
pronunciarse con autoridad
dictar doctrina

Meanings

Speak definitively

expertise
formal
Give a learned, seemingly final judgment on a subject, often with ironic force.

Examples

  • La historiadora sentó cátedra sobre el periodo colonial.
    The historian spoke with authority on the colonial period.
  • Opina dos minutos y ya pretende sentar cátedra.
    He speaks for two minutes and already wants to pontificate.
  • No hace falta sentar cátedra en cada conversación.
    You need not pontificate in every conversation.
  • El ensayo sienta cátedra sobre la poesía de la época.
    The essay sets the standard for writing on the period’s poetry.
  • En la mesa redonda, nadie quiso sentar cátedra.
    At the panel discussion, nobody wanted to speak as the final authority.

Similar words

Etymology

Literally “establish a chair”: cátedra names a professorship or teaching chair, from Latin cathedra.

FAQ

What does sentar cátedra mean?

To pronounce on a subject as an authority.

When is sentar cátedra used?

When someone gives a seemingly conclusive opinion.

What tone does sentar cátedra have?

Often ironic, though it can praise genuine expertise.

What does sentar cátedra contrast with?

It differs from offering a tentative view.

What is the origin or form of sentar cátedra?

Cátedra means a teaching chair.

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