Also means
to carry out
Usage Note
Desempeñar collocates strongly with papel ('role'): desempeñar un papel means 'to play a role'. It also means to redeem a pawned item (desempeñar una prenda), though this sense is rarer in everyday speech. Don't confuse it with ejecutar (to execute/run) in computing contexts.
Examples
"Ella desempeña un papel clave en la empresa."
Natural Translation
She plays a key role in the company.
Literal Translation
She plays a role key in the company
Related Words
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