Hidden Meanings in Legal Spanish - 13

verificarse - tener verificativo

The meaning of the verb verificar is obvious. It means "to verify." But when the reflexive form of the verb (verificarse) is used, it takes on a meaning that is anything but obvious. The reflexive verb verificarse is a synonym of tener lugar and thus means "to take place" or "to be held."

Thus, for example, Se verificó la reunión con sólo cinco asistentes means "The meeting was held with only five people in attendance."

There is another synonym of verificarse in Mexican Spanish: tener verificativo. So in Mexican Spanish the sentence above could also be written as follows: La reunión tuvo verificativo con sólo cinco asistentes.