fundamentar
/fundamenˈtaɾ/
To show cause in Spanish is fundamentar.
Fundamentar is used in legal and formal contexts when a person or entity must provide the underlying reasons or legal grounds for a specific claim or decision.
Which one should you use?
The noun form fundamentación refers to the act of providing the legal or logical grounds (the 'showing of cause') itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 'fundamentar' is a transitive verb, so it requires a direct object (the reason or the decision being justified) to complete its meaning.
How do you pronounce it?
/fundamenˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish legal systems, a judge who fails to fundamentar a ruling may have the entire decision overturned on the grounds of falta de motivación, even if the final verdict is correct.
- While fundamentar is used for legal 'showing of cause', in academic contexts it is the standard term for 'providing citations' or 'backing up' a thesis with scholarly evidence.
- Spanish distinguishes between fundamentar, providing the legal basis, and justificar, which can be a more general or personal explanation for an action.
Examples in context
- La compañía tiene la obligación de justificar la causa de los despidos.The company has the obligation to show cause for the layoffs.
- Debes fundamentar tu decisión con pruebas.You must provide a legal basis for your decision with evidence.
- El abogado intentó fundamentar el reclamo.The lawyer tried to justify the claim.
- Es necesario fundamentar cada punto del contrato.It is necessary to provide a justification for every point in the contract.
Example conversation
Two lawyers are discussing a pending case in an office.
- MateoElena, ¿ya tienes los argumentos para el caso?Elena, do you have the arguments for the case yet?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, pero aún debo fundamentar nuestra solicitud.Yes, Mateo, but I still have to show cause for our request.
- MateoEl tribunal será muy estricto con las pruebas.The court will be very strict with the evidence.
- ElenaLo sé, por eso estoy revisando cada detalle legal.I know, that's why I'm reviewing every legal detail.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fundamentar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
