This lesson includes a free PDF with a list of 30 words, containing the 15 words in this lesson, and 15 extras, in addition to exercises to help you retain this vocabulary. Fill out the form below to download your worksheet.
Olá, queridos alunos! (Hello, dear students!)
In this lesson, you’ll learn 15 words that are used by Brazilians with a high level of education.
If you use the words I’m going to teach you in this lesson, your Portuguese will sound more beautiful, and you might even impress your Brazilian friends.
I recommend watching the video and taking the test before reading this post!
If you know these 15 words, your Portuguese is amazing!
1. Exímio
We use the word “exímio” to describe a person who is extremely skilled in their determined area.
For example:
Pedro é um exímio pianista. Seus shows são maravilhosos. (Pedro is an excellent pianist. His shows are wonderful.)
2. Disseminar
We use the word “disseminar” to indicate the act of widely spreading or sharing an idea, information, or substance.
For example:
As redes sociais têm o poder de disseminar informações rapidamente. (Social networks have the power to spread information rapidly.)
3. Iminente
We use the word “iminente” to talk about something that is about to happen or will happen very soon.
For example:
Em outubro, devemos nos preparar para a chegada iminente do frio. (In October, we should prepare ourselves for the imminent arrival of the cold.)
4. Inerente
We use the word “inerente” to describe something that is part of the essence of a person or thing, an intrinsic or inseparable characteristic.
For example:
A curiosidade é inerente à natureza humana. (Curiosity is inherent to human nature.)
5. Pernicioso
We use the word “pernicioso” to describe something harmful, noxious, or damaging.
For example:
O fumo é um hábito pernicioso que causa muitos problemas de saúde. (Smoking is a pernicious habit that causes many health problems.)
6. Diligente
We use the word “diligente” to describe a careful and hardworking person who is dedicated to their tasks.
For example:
Ela é uma aluna diligente que sempre faz sua tarefa de casa. (She is a diligent student that always does her homework.)
7. Discrepante
We use the word “discrepante” to indicate something that is in disagreement or that presents a marked difference.
For example:
A informação discrepante nos relatórios gerou confusão na equipe. (The discrepant information in the reports generated confusion in the team.)
8. Mitigar
We use the word “mitigar” to talk about something that alleviates or reduces the seriousness or intensity of a negative situation.
For example:
O governo tomou medidas para mitigar os efeitos do aquecimento global. (The government took measures to mitigate the effects of global warming.)
9. Prolífico
We use the word “prolífico” to describe a highly productive person, such as an artist that produces a lot of art or an author that writes a lot of books.
For example:
Ana é uma autora prolífica e já escreveu dois romances este ano. (Ana is a prolific author and has already written two novels this year.)
10. Insolente
We use the word “insolente” to describe a person that acts disrespectfully or arrogantly.
For example:
A atitude insolente do funcionário foi inaceitável. (The employee’s insolent attitude was unacceptable.)
11. Irrefutável
We use the word “irrefutável” to talk about something indisputable, that cannot be denied or questioned.
For example:
Minha amiga me convenceu com um argumento irrefutável. (My friend convinced me with an irrefutable argument.)
12. Obsoleto
We use the word “obsoleto” to describe something archaic, antiquated, or outdated.
For example:
Os telefones públicos se tornaram obsoletos. (Public telephones have become obsolete.)
13. Impreterível
We use the word “impreterível” to talk about something urgent and mandatory, that cannot be left for later.
For example:
É impreterível que você envie os documentos até o final do dia. (It’s imperative that you send the documents by the end of the day.)
14. Inefável
We use the word “inefável” to talk about something so grand, beautiful, or impressive it cannot be expressed with words.
For example:
A beleza da paisagem era simplesmente inefável. (The beauty of the landscape was simply ineffable.)
15. Vicissitude
We use the word “vicissitude” to talk about unexpected changes or twists and turns that occur in life, many times associated with difficulties.
For example:
As vicissitudes da vida nos tornam mais fortes. (The vicissitudes of life make us stronger.)
Free PDF!
If you don’t practice what you learned today, you will end up forgetting everything!
That’s why I prepared a free PDF with exercises to help you practice and retain the vocabulary.
The PDF this week includes a list of 30 advanced words, many examples, and exercises that will help you amplify your vocabulary in Portuguese. Fill out the form below to download your worksheet.
Online Brazilian Portuguese Courses
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Até a próxima!
Virginia & Speaking Brazilian Team
