esposar
esposar في 30 ثانية
- Esposar is a formal verb meaning to marry or to adopt a cause or idea.
- It is the sophisticated cousin of 'casar' (marry) and 'adotar' (adopt).
- Commonly found in legal texts, literature, and academic discussions about ideologies.
- It is a transitive direct verb, meaning it doesn't usually need a preposition.
The Portuguese verb esposar is an elegant and sophisticated term that primarily functions in two distinct semantic spheres: the literal act of marriage and the metaphorical act of adopting a belief or cause. To understand its usage, one must first recognize its register. Unlike the common word casar, which is used in everyday conversation, esposar carries a weight of formality, tradition, and intellectual commitment. When used in the context of matrimony, it describes the formal act of taking someone as a spouse. However, its most frequent contemporary use in high-level Portuguese—such as in journalism, academic writing, and political discourse—is to describe the process of 'espousing' or wholeheartedly embracing a doctrine, an ideology, or a specific viewpoint. This dual nature makes it a powerful tool for learners looking to elevate their vocabulary from basic communication to nuanced expression.
- Literal Definition
- To take someone as a spouse; to marry in a formal or ceremonial sense. It emphasizes the union and the legal or social bond created between two people.
O nobre decidiu esposar a filha do duque em uma cerimônia privada.
In its metaphorical sense, 'esposar' suggests a deep, almost marital commitment to an idea. Just as a marriage implies a long-term bond and defense of one's partner, 'esposar uma causa' implies that the individual is now bound to that cause and will defend it as their own. This is particularly common in legal and political texts where a judge might 'esposar a tese' (adopt the thesis) of a particular lawyer, or a politician might 'esposar ideais' (espouse ideals) of social justice. It is important to note that this verb is transitive direct, meaning it does not typically require a preposition like 'com' when used in the sense of adopting an idea, though historical usage in marriage contexts sometimes varied.
- Metaphorical Definition
- To adopt, embrace, or support a cause, idea, or principle with conviction. It implies a public and firm alignment with a specific thought or movement.
O filósofo passou a esposar teorias existencialistas após sua viagem à Europa.
Culturally, using 'esposar' instead of 'casar' or 'adotar' signals that the speaker is educated and is aiming for a precise, elevated tone. In literature, especially from the 19th and early 20th centuries (like the works of Machado de Assis or Eça de Queirós), 'esposar' is frequently encountered to describe the strategic and social aspects of marriage. In modern times, you will hear it most often in the hallowed halls of justice or in the columns of serious newspapers. It is a word that demands respect and indicates a high level of linguistic proficiency.
- Etymological Connection
- Derived from the Latin 'sponsare', which means to promise or to betroth. This root also gives us 'esposo' (husband) and 'esposa' (wife), as well as 'sponsor' in English.
A empresa decidiu esposar a sustentabilidade como seu valor central.
Muitos jovens hoje preferem esposar causas ambientais do que se filiar a partidos políticos.
Não é comum esposar alguém sem um contrato pré-nupcial em certas classes sociais.
The syntax of esposar is relatively straightforward, but its formal nature requires careful placement. It is a regular verb ending in '-ar', following the standard conjugation patterns of the first conjugation. The most critical grammatical point to remember is that it is a **transitive direct verb**. This means that unlike 'casar-se', which is pronominal and requires the preposition 'com' (casar-se com alguém), 'esposar' can take its object directly. For example, 'Ele esposou a causa' (He espoused the cause) or 'Ele esposou Maria' (He married Maria - though this sounds very archaic). In modern Portuguese, using it for people is rare and almost exclusively found in historical novels or formal legal proceedings regarding the validity of a union.
- Subject-Verb-Object Pattern
- The subject (person or entity) + esposar (conjugated) + the object (person, idea, or cause). No preposition is needed between the verb and the object.
O governo federal esposou as novas diretrizes de saúde pública.
When discussing the adoption of ideas, 'esposar' is often paired with nouns like tese (thesis), ideologia (ideology), doutrina (doctrine), or ponto de vista (point of view). It suggests a definitive choice. It’s not just 'liking' an idea; it’s 'marrying' it—committing to it as your own. In passive constructions, which are common in formal writing, you might see 'A tese foi esposada pelo tribunal' (The thesis was espoused by the court). This emphasizes the acceptance of the argument by an official body.
- Infinitive Usage
- Often used after auxiliary verbs like 'decidir' (to decide), 'querer' (to want), or 'passar a' (to start to). Example: 'Ela decidiu esposar o vegetarianismo.'
Ao esposar tal comportamento, ele perdeu a confiança dos amigos.
Furthermore, 'esposar' can be used in the past participle form as an adjective, though 'esposado' is less common than 'adotado' or 'defendido'. However, in legal jargon, 'a tese esposada' refers to the specific legal theory that has been accepted or argued by a party. This reinforces the verb's strong connection to formal advocacy and intellectual alignment. For learners, practicing the transition from 'Eu acho que...' (I think that...) to 'Eu esposo a ideia de que...' (I espouse the idea that...) is a great way to sound more authoritative in written Portuguese.
- Negative Constructions
- To refuse to adopt an idea. 'O partido não quis esposar a proposta radical.'
É difícil esposar um projeto sem conhecer seus detalhes técnicos.
O autor esposa uma visão pessimista da natureza humana em seu novo livro.
Eles pretendem esposar-se no próximo verão, conforme a tradição familiar.
You are unlikely to hear esposar while buying bread at a padaria or chatting at a bar. It is a 'high-register' word. Its natural habitats are the courtroom, the university lecture hall, the legislative assembly, and the pages of literary fiction. In the Brazilian or Portuguese judicial system, judges frequently use 'esposar' in their written rulings to indicate which legal doctrine they are applying to a case. For example, 'Esposo o entendimento do Supremo Tribunal Federal' (I adopt the understanding of the Supreme Federal Court). This usage conveys a sense of officiality and intellectual heritage.
- Legal Context
- Used by judges and lawyers to signify the adoption of a specific legal interpretation or precedent.
O magistrado preferiu esposar a tese da legítima defesa.
In academic circles, particularly in the humanities (philosophy, sociology, history), 'esposar' is used to describe the schools of thought a particular scholar follows. A professor might say that a certain author 'esposa ideias marxistas' or 'esposa uma fenomenologia rigorosa'. In this setting, the word functions as a synonym for 'to subscribe to' or 'to align with'. It sounds much more professional than saying 'ele gosta de' (he likes) or 'ele segue' (he follows).
- Academic Discourse
- Used to categorize scholars or theories within specific intellectual traditions.
Muitos intelectuais do século XX vieram a esposar o existencialismo.
In the realm of literature, 'esposar' is a staple of 19th-century prose. If you are reading the classics of Portuguese literature, you will see it used literally for marriage. In these contexts, it often carries a connotation of social arrangement or duty. For example, a character might be forced to 'esposar' someone for financial reasons. Modern writers might use it ironically or to evoke a sense of 'old-world' formality. Understanding this word is essential for anyone wishing to read Portuguese literature in its original form without constantly reaching for a dictionary.
- Literary Usage
- Common in classical novels to describe formal unions and the social contracts of marriage.
Naquele romance clássico, o herói se recusa a esposar a vilã por interesse.
A imprensa internacional começou a esposar a narrativa de que a economia está em crise.
O conselho de ética decidiu esposar uma postura mais rígida contra a corrupção.
The most common mistake learners make with esposar is confusing it with the everyday verb casar. While they are synonyms, they are not interchangeable in terms of social register. Using 'esposar' in a casual conversation about your friend's wedding will sound extremely strange, almost as if you are speaking like a character from a 1700s play. Another frequent error is the 'false friend' trap related to the noun esposas. In Portuguese, esposas means 'wives' but also 'handcuffs'. However, the verb 'esposar' NEVER means 'to handcuff'. To handcuff someone, the verb is algemar. Confusing these can lead to some very awkward or unintended sentences!
- Mistake: Wrong Register
- Using 'esposar' in casual talk. Correct: 'Eles vão casar no sábado.' Incorrect: 'Eles vão esposar no sábado.' (Too formal).
O policial esposou o ladrão. (WRONG: This means the policeman married the thief! It should be 'algemou').
Another grammatical pitfall involves prepositions. As mentioned earlier, 'esposar' is transitive direct. English speakers often want to say 'esposar *com* uma ideia' because in English we might say 'wedded *to* an idea'. In Portuguese, you simply 'esposar a ideia'. Adding the 'com' makes the sentence grammatically incorrect in the metaphorical sense. Furthermore, don't confuse 'esposar' with 'expor' (to expose). While they sound vaguely similar to a beginner's ear, their meanings are entirely unrelated. 'Expor' is about showing or presenting, while 'esposar' is about adopting or committing.
- Mistake: Preposition Overuse
- Adding 'com' after the verb. Correct: 'Ele esposou a causa.' Incorrect: 'Ele esposou com a causa.'
Não confunda: esposar (to marry/adopt) vs. algemar (to handcuff).
Finally, remember that 'esposar' is a strong word. If you use it for a minor opinion or a fleeting interest, it will sound hyperbolic. You 'esposar' a life-changing philosophy or a major legal theory, you don't 'esposar' a preference for chocolate over vanilla. Misusing the intensity of the word can make your Portuguese sound unnatural or overly dramatic. Reserve it for significant commitments and formal arguments to maintain its intended impact.
- Mistake: Hyperbole
- Using it for trivial things. Better: 'Eu prefiro pizza.' Overkill: 'Eu esposo a causa da pizza.'
Ele esposou a religião de seus antepassados após anos de busca.
A rainha não permitiu que o príncipe esposasse uma plebeia.
É um erro esposar conclusões precipitadas sem analisar os fatos.
Depending on the context, there are several alternatives to esposar. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right occasion. For the literal meaning of marriage, casar is the universal choice. If you want to be slightly more formal but not as 'heavy' as esposar, you can use contrair matrimônio (to contract marriage), which is common in legal documents and wedding invitations. For the metaphorical meaning of adopting an idea, adotar (to adopt) is the most neutral and common alternative.
- Comparison: Esposar vs. Casar
- 'Casar' is for everyone, everywhere. 'Esposar' is for knights in books or very formal legal discussions about the state of being a spouse.
Eles vão casar na praia; ninguém usaria 'esposar' aqui.
In the context of supporting a cause, you might use defender (to defend), apoiar (to support), or sustentar (to sustain/uphold). 'Defender' implies an active battle for the idea, while 'esposar' implies an internal acceptance and identification with it. Another sophisticated synonym is perfilhar, which literally means 'to take as a son' (to affiliate), but is used for ideas much like 'esposar'. Using 'perfilhar uma ideia' is just as formal as 'esposar uma ideia'.
- Comparison: Esposar vs. Adotar
- 'Adotar' is general (adopt a child, adopt a habit). 'Esposar' is specific to beliefs and carries a more solemn, committed tone.
O cientista adotou um novo método, mas esposou uma nova filosofia de vida.
Lastly, in very formal or old-fashioned writing, you might see consorciar-se. This is related to 'consórcio' (consortium/partnership) and refers to the union of two people or entities. It is even more technical than 'esposar' and usually refers to the legal or financial merger of interests. For a learner, mastering 'esposar' provides a bridge between common verbs like 'casar' and 'adotar' and the high-level vocabulary needed for professional fluency.
- Comparison: Esposar vs. Abraçar
- 'Abraçar' (to embrace) is more emotional and warm. 'Esposar' is more intellectual and formal.
Ela abraçou a causa dos animais com paixão.
O jurista decidiu esposar a doutrina da proteção integral.
Ao perfilhar tais argumentos, o autor se expõe a críticas severas.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
The English word 'sponsor' comes from the same Latin root 'spondere'. Just as a sponsor 'vows' for someone, 'esposar' is a 'vow' of marriage or commitment.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the 's' like 'z' in the middle (it should be 'z' because it's between vowels, which is correct, but some learners make it too sharp).
- Misplacing the stress on 'es-PO-sar' instead of 'es-po-SAR'.
- Confusing the pronunciation with 'esposa' (wife), where the 'o' might change sound in some dialects.
- Failing to reduce the initial 'e' in European Portuguese.
- Pronouncing the final 'r' too strongly like an English 'r'.
مستوى الصعوبة
Easy to recognize if you know 'esposa' or English 'espouse'.
Requires knowledge of formal registers to use appropriately.
Rarely used in speech; might sound pretentious if used incorrectly.
Clear pronunciation but requires context to distinguish from 'esposas'.
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المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Regular -ar Verb Conjugation
Eu esposo, tu esposas, ele esposa...
Transitive Direct Verbs
Ele esposou a causa (No preposition).
Future Subjunctive
Se ele esposar a ideia, terá apoio.
Inflected Infinitive
Para eles esposarem a causa, precisam de dados.
Passive Voice with 'Ser'
A tese foi esposada pelo professor.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
O príncipe quer esposar a princesa.
The prince wants to marry the princess.
A1 learners should use 'casar', but 'esposar' is the formal version.
Ela é a esposa dele.
She is his wife.
The noun 'esposa' is common even at A1.
Eles vão se casar hoje.
They are going to get married today.
Use 'casar' for everyday situations.
O esposo dela é médico.
Her husband is a doctor.
'Esposo' is the formal word for husband.
Eu não quero esposar ninguém agora.
I don't want to marry anyone now.
Negative construction in the present tense.
O rei disse: 'Você deve esposar minha filha'.
The king said: 'You must marry my daughter'.
Imperative-like suggestion in a story context.
Eles decidiram esposar um ao outro.
They decided to marry each other.
Infinitive after the verb 'decidir'.
Quem ele vai esposar?
Who is he going to marry?
Question form with future 'ir + infinitive'.
O autor decidiu esposar uma nova ideia.
The author decided to adopt a new idea.
Here 'esposar' means to adopt or embrace an idea.
Não é fácil esposar uma causa difícil.
It is not easy to espouse a difficult cause.
Impersonal 'é' + adjective + infinitive.
Eles esposaram-se em segredo.
They married each other in secret.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) with a reflexive pronoun.
O político esposo a luta contra a pobreza.
The politician espoused the fight against poverty.
Past tense of 'esposar' in a political context.
Você pretende esposar os valores da empresa?
Do you intend to adopt the company's values?
Question using 'pretender' (to intend).
Ele nunca quis esposar as opiniões do pai.
He never wanted to adopt his father's opinions.
Negative past tense with 'querer'.
Nós esposamos a mesma filosofia.
We espouse the same philosophy.
Present tense, first person plural.
Ela quer esposar o namorado no próximo ano.
She wants to marry her boyfriend next year.
Formal use of 'esposar' for marriage.
Ao esposar essa tese, o cientista mudou o campo da biologia.
By espousing this thesis, the scientist changed the field of biology.
Gerund construction 'Ao + infinitive' meaning 'upon' or 'by'.
Muitas pessoas passam a esposar o veganismo por motivos éticos.
Many people start to espouse veganism for ethical reasons.
'Passar a' indicates a change in state or beginning of an action.
O juiz acabou por esposar o argumento da defesa.
The judge ended up adopting the defense's argument.
'Acabar por' means 'to end up doing something'.
É raro vê-lo esposar uma posição tão radical.
It is rare to see him adopt such a radical position.
Infinitive after a perception verb ('vê-lo').
Se eu fosse você, não esposaria essa causa sem pensar.
If I were you, I wouldn't espouse that cause without thinking.
Conditional mood ('esposaria') used for advice.
Eles haviam esposado ideais democráticos desde a juventude.
They had espoused democratic ideals since their youth.
Past perfect (Pretérito Mais-que-perfeito composto).
O grupo decidiu não esposar nenhuma religião oficial.
The group decided not to adopt any official religion.
Negative infinitive after 'decidir'.
Quem esposar esta ideia terá o meu apoio total.
Whoever espouses this idea will have my total support.
Future subjunctive ('esposar') in a relative clause.
O tribunal decidiu esposar a interpretação mais favorável ao réu.
The court decided to adopt the interpretation most favorable to the defendant.
Common legal phrasing with 'interpretação'.
Ela sempre se recusou a esposar dogmas sem questionamento.
She always refused to espouse dogmas without questioning.
Reflexive verb 'recusar-se' followed by 'a' + infinitive.
O historiador esposo a visão de que a guerra era inevitável.
The historian espoused the view that the war was inevitable.
Past tense used for academic attribution.
Embora fosse conservador, ele esposou reformas progressistas.
Although he was conservative, he espoused progressive reforms.
Concessive clause with 'Embora' + subjunctive.
É necessário que a empresa esposo práticas sustentáveis.
It is necessary that the company adopt sustainable practices.
Present subjunctive ('espose' - wait, corrected: 'espose') after 'É necessário que'.
O governo reluta em esposar a nova política econômica.
The government is reluctant to adopt the new economic policy.
Verb 'relutar' followed by 'em' + infinitive.
Ao esposarem o projeto, eles assumiram uma grande responsabilidade.
By adopting the project, they took on a great responsibility.
Inflected infinitive 'esposarem' used with 'Ao'.
Não se pode esposar uma mentira e esperar que ela se torne verdade.
One cannot espouse a lie and expect it to become truth.
Impersonal 'se' construction.
A corte superior veio a esposar a tese da inconstitucionalidade da lei.
The superior court came to adopt the thesis of the law's unconstitutionality.
Formal 'vir a + infinitive' indicating a gradual or eventual conclusion.
O filósofo, em sua maturidade, passou a esposar um misticismo profundo.
The philosopher, in his maturity, began to espouse a deep mysticism.
Parenthetical phrase 'em sua maturidade' adding context.
Raras são as ocasiões em que um crítico decide esposar a obra de um amador.
Rare are the occasions when a critic decides to espouse the work of an amateur.
Inverted sentence structure for emphasis.
Ao esposar o determinismo, ele negou a existência do livre-arbítrio.
By espousing determinism, he denied the existence of free will.
Linking a philosophical stance to its logical consequence.
Espero que o novo diretor espose uma gestão mais transparente.
I hope the new director adopts a more transparent management.
Subjunctive mood expressing a wish or expectation.
A instituição não hesitou em esposar o clamor popular por justiça.
The institution did not hesitate to adopt the popular outcry for justice.
'Não hesitar em' + infinitive.
É perigoso esposar ideologias sem antes submetê-las ao crivo da razão.
It is dangerous to espouse ideologies without first submitting them to the sieve of reason.
Complex sentence with an object pronoun 'las'.
O autor parece esposar a ideia de que o tempo é uma ilusão.
The author seems to espouse the idea that time is an illusion.
Verb 'parecer' + infinitive.
O magistrado, ao exarar sua sentença, esposou o entendimento pretoriano já consolidado.
The magistrate, when issuing his sentence, adopted the already consolidated judicial understanding.
Use of technical legal terms like 'exarar' and 'pretoriano'.
A despeito das críticas, o governo manteve-se firme ao esposar o novo paradigma ecológico.
Despite the criticism, the government remained firm in adopting the new ecological paradigm.
'A despeito de' (despite) and 'manter-se firme ao'.
Esposar uma causa de tal magnitude exige uma abnegação que poucos possuem.
To espouse a cause of such magnitude requires a self-denial that few possess.
Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.
O romance oitocentista frequentemente explora as tensões de esposar alguém por dever social.
The 19th-century novel frequently explores the tensions of marrying someone out of social duty.
Literary analysis vocabulary ('oitocentista', 'tensões').
Se a academia não esposar a inovação, corre o risco de se tornar obsoleta.
If the academy does not adopt innovation, it runs the risk of becoming obsolete.
Conditional 'se' + future subjunctive.
A tese esposada pelo réu carecia de fundamentação jurídica sólida.
The thesis adopted by the defendant lacked solid legal grounding.
Passive past participle used as an adjective ('esposada').
Instado a manifestar-se, o intelectual esposou uma neutralidade cautelosa.
Urged to express himself, the intellectual adopted a cautious neutrality.
Passive participle 'Instado' starting the sentence.
O partido, outrora revolucionário, acabou por esposar valores burgueses.
The party, once revolutionary, ended up adopting bourgeois values.
Use of 'outrora' (formerly) and 'acabou por'.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— To adopt a specific understanding or interpretation of a law or fact.
O tribunal resolveu esposar o entendimento anterior.
— To formally adopt or commit to a religious faith.
Ele decidiu esposar a fé de seus pais.
— To join and support a specific struggle or social movement.
Nós devemos esposar a luta contra o racismo.
— To adopt a specific way of behaving.
É preciso esposar um comportamento ético no trabalho.
— To follow and uphold traditional ways.
A família prefere esposar a tradição local.
— To take responsibility for and support a project.
O diretor vai esposar o projeto de expansão.
— To adopt a certain philosophy of life or work.
Eles esposam a filosofia do desapego.
— To hold and defend a firm conviction.
Sempre esposou a convicção de que a educação é a base de tudo.
— To adopt a specific style of speaking or arguing.
O palestrante esposou uma retórica agressiva.
يُخلط عادةً مع
Learners see 'esposas' (handcuffs) and think 'esposar' means to handcuff. It doesn't!
Sounds slightly similar but means 'to expose' or 'to present'.
Unrelated verb meaning 'to beat' or 'to thrash'; don't mix up the sounds!
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— To take up someone else's fight or problem as if it were your own.
Ele tem o hábito de esposar a causa alheia.
Formal— To persist in or adopt a mistaken idea or path.
Infelizmente, ele preferiu esposar o erro a pedir desculpas.
Formal— To commit to remaining silent (literary).
Após a tragédia, ela esposou o silêncio absoluto.
Literary— To take a vow of poverty (usually religious context).
O monge decidiu esposar a pobreza.
Religious/Formal— To adopt a skeptical or doubtful stance.
O filósofo esposa a dúvida como método de busca pela verdade.
Academic— To accept one's fate completely.
Ele esposou seu destino com coragem.
Literary— To align oneself with a lie or falsehood.
Políticos que esposam a mentira perdem a credibilidade.
Formal— To adopt a hateful ideology.
Não podemos permitir que os jovens esposam o ódio.
Formal— To commit to a hopeful outlook.
Apesar de tudo, esposamos a esperança de dias melhores.
Poetic/Formal— To fully embrace and lead a change.
A liderança deve esposar a mudança para que a empresa cresça.
Business/Formalسهل الخلط
It means both 'wives' and 'handcuffs'.
Esposar is the verb for marrying/adopting ideas. Algemar is the verb for handcuffing. They are completely different actions despite the shared noun root.
Ele algemou o bandido (handcuffed) vs Ele esposou a noiva (married).
Both mean to marry.
Casar is used 99% of the time. Esposar is literary or formal. Also, casar-se usually needs 'com', while esposar is direct.
Vou casar com ela vs Vou esposá-la.
Both can mean adopting an idea.
Adotar is general. Esposar implies a deeper, more formal or solemn commitment, like a vow.
Adotei um cachorro (pet) vs Esposei uma filosofia (life path).
Both can mean embracing a cause.
Abraçar is emotional and common. Esposar is intellectual and formal.
Abracei meu amigo (hugged) vs Esposei a causa da liberdade (formal stance).
Cognate confusion.
While they share a root, 'esposar' does not mean 'to sponsor' an event. For that, use 'patrocinar'.
A Coca-Cola patrocinou o evento (sponsored) vs O juiz esposou a tese (adopted).
أنماط الجُمل
Sujeito + decidiu + esposar + substantivo.
O autor decidiu esposar a ideia.
Ao + esposar + substantivo, + [consequência].
Ao esposar a causa, ele ficou famoso.
É necessário que + sujeito + espose + substantivo.
É necessário que o juiz espose a lei.
A tese + esposada + por + [agente] + é + [adjetivo].
A tese esposada pelo autor é brilhante.
Instado a + [verbo], + sujeito + esposou + [substantivo].
Instado a falar, o líder esposou a reforma.
Não se deve + esposar + substantivo + sem + [verbo].
Não se deve esposar uma ideia sem estudar.
Ele/Ela + quer + esposar + [pessoa].
Ele quer esposar a rainha.
Embora + [verbo subjuntivo], + sujeito + esposou + [causa].
Embora fosse difícil, ele esposou a causa.
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
Low in daily speech, High in legal and academic writing.
-
Using 'esposar' for 'handcuff'.
→
O policial algemou o suspeito.
Esposar means to marry/adopt ideas. Algemar means to handcuff. This is a very common confusion because 'esposas' means handcuffs.
-
Saying 'esposar com uma tese'.
→
O juiz esposou a tese.
Esposar is transitive direct. It does not take the preposition 'com' in modern Portuguese when referring to ideas.
-
Using 'esposar' at a casual party.
→
Eles vão se casar.
Esposar is too formal for casual speech. It sounds stiff and unnatural in informal settings.
-
Confusing 'esposar' with 'expor'.
→
Ele expôs sua ideia na reunião.
Expor means to present/expose. Esposar means to adopt/commit to. They are not the same.
-
Incorrect stress on the first syllable.
→
es-po-SAR
Learners often stress the 'po', but in Portuguese infinitives, the stress is on the '-ar'.
نصائح
Save it for Writing
Use 'esposar' in your written Portuguese—essays, emails to professors, or formal reports—to show off your advanced vocabulary.
No Prepositions!
Remember: 'esposar a tese', NOT 'esposar com a tese'. It acts directly on the object.
Think of the Ring
Associate 'esposar' with 'esposa' (wife). When you 'esposar' an idea, you are making it your permanent partner.
Legal Contexts
If you are studying law in Portuguese, 'esposar' is a mandatory word to know for reading court decisions.
Avoid Pretentiousness
Don't use 'esposar' in casual settings. Using it with friends might make you sound like you're trying too hard to be fancy.
Espouse = Esposar
They are perfect cognates. If you would use 'espouse' in English, 'esposar' is likely the correct choice in Portuguese.
Handcuff Trap
Never use 'esposar' to mean 'handcuff'. You will end up saying a policeman married a criminal!
Classic Novels
When reading 19th-century Portuguese books, 'esposar' is the standard word for marriage among the upper classes.
Final Stress
Always stress the last syllable: es-po-SAR. This is typical for verbs ending in -ar.
Synonym Variety
Mix 'esposar' with 'adotar' and 'perfilhar' in long texts to avoid repetition and show linguistic range.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of 'Espouse' in English. They look the same and mean the same thing: to marry or adopt an idea. Also, 'Esposar' contains 'Esposa' (wife) — you are making someone your wife or making an idea your 'partner'.
ربط بصري
Imagine a person in a wedding dress holding a book of philosophy instead of flowers. They are 'marrying' the idea.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to write three sentences using 'esposar': one about a historical marriage, one about a political cause, and one about a personal belief.
أصل الكلمة
From the Latin verb 'sponsare', which is the frequentative form of 'spondere', meaning 'to promise solemnly' or 'to vow'.
المعنى الأصلي: To promise in marriage; to betroth.
Romance (Latin root)السياق الثقافي
No specific sensitivities, but remember that 'esposas' also means handcuffs, so avoid making jokes in formal settings unless you are sure of the audience.
English speakers can easily remember this word via the cognate 'espouse'. The usage is almost identical in both languages.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Legal Rulings
- Esposar o entendimento
- A tese esposada
- Esposar a jurisprudência
- Decidiu esposar
Academic Writing
- Esposar uma teoria
- O autor esposa
- Esposar o pensamento
- Ao esposar tal visão
Political Discourse
- Esposar uma causa
- Esposar ideais
- Esposar a luta
- O partido esposa
Classic Literature
- Esposar a donzela
- Esposar por interesse
- O ato de esposar
- Prometeu esposar
Religious Contexts
- Esposar a fé
- Esposar a pobreza
- Esposar a vida religiosa
- Decidiu esposar
بدايات محادثة
"Você acha que é importante esposar uma causa social hoje em dia?"
"Qual filosofia de vida você decidiu esposar?"
"Você já leu algum livro onde o personagem precisou esposar alguém por dever?"
"Na sua opinião, quais ideais o nosso governo deveria esposar?"
"É difícil para você esposar uma ideia com a qual você não concorda totalmente?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Escreva sobre uma causa que você decidiu esposar e por que ela é importante para você.
Reflita sobre a diferença entre 'casar' e 'esposar'. Como o tom muda a percepção da união?
Descreva uma situação em que um juiz ou líder precisou esposar uma tese difícil.
Se você pudesse esposar qualquer filosofia antiga, qual seria e como ela mudaria sua vida?
Pense em um momento em que você se recusou a esposar uma opinião popular. O que aconteceu?
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةTechnically yes, but you shouldn't. It would sound very strange and overly formal, like you're in a 19th-century novel. Stick to 'casar' for real-life weddings.
No! This is a common mistake because 'esposas' means handcuffs. To handcuff someone, use the verb 'algemar'. 'Esposar' only means to marry or adopt an idea.
It is common in Brazilian legal writing and high-level journalism, but you will almost never hear it in spoken conversation unless someone is being intentionally formal or ironic.
No. It is a transitive direct verb. You say 'esposar a causa' or 'esposar a tese'. Adding 'com' is usually considered a mistake in modern Portuguese.
'Abraçar' is more passionate and common. 'Esposar' is more formal and suggests a solemn, intellectual commitment. You 'abraçar' a cause with your heart, but you 'esposar' it with your mind.
Only metaphorically. You can't 'marry' a car, but you can 'esposar' the idea of minimalism or a specific design philosophy.
It's a regular -ar verb: eu esposo, tu esposas, ele esposa, nós esposamos, vós esposais, eles esposam.
Yes, just like in Brazil, it is used in formal, legal, and literary contexts in Portugal.
The most common opposites would be 'rejeitar' (reject), 'refutar' (refute), or 'combater' (combat) an idea.
It's often introduced at these levels because it's a key cognate for English speakers ('espouse') and helps learners begin to distinguish between different registers of speech.
اختبر نفسك 200 أسئلة
Escreva uma frase formal usando 'esposar' no sentido de adotar uma tese jurídica.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use o verbo 'esposar' em uma frase sobre um príncipe e uma princesa.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Crie uma frase usando 'esposar' no sentido de apoiar uma causa ambiental.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Transforme a frase 'Ele adotou a ideia' usando o verbo 'esposar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escreva uma frase no futuro do presente com o verbo 'esposar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explique, em uma frase, a diferença entre 'casar' e 'esposar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'esposar' em uma frase negativa sobre política.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Crie uma frase usando o particípio passado 'esposada'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escreva uma pequena história (3 frases) usando 'esposar' duas vezes.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use o gerúndio 'esposando' em uma frase sobre um movimento social.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Crie uma frase interrogativa com 'esposar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escreva uma frase usando 'esposar' no sentido de 'voto de pobreza'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'esposar' em uma frase condicional.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Crie uma frase sobre um autor clássico e o verbo 'esposar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escreva uma frase usando 'esposar' para descrever a adoção de um novo comportamento.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Crie uma frase usando o infinitivo pessoal 'esposarem'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'esposar' em uma frase sobre religião.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escreva uma frase formal de agradecimento usando 'esposar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Crie uma frase usando 'esposar' e 'ideologia' na mesma sentença.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'esposar' no pretérito imperfeito.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explique oralmente o que significa 'esposar uma causa'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Como você usaria 'esposar' em uma frase sobre o seu trabalho?
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Diga uma frase formal convidando alguém para um casamento usando 'esposar'.
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قلت:
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Qual a diferença de pronúncia entre 'esposa' e 'esposar'?
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قلت:
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Como um juiz diria que aceita um argumento?
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Crie uma frase oral sobre um político e seus ideais.
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Você acha que 'esposar' soa pretensioso? Por quê?
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Como você diria 'They espoused the new rules' em português?
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Diga o verbo 'esposar' conjugado no presente para 'nós'.
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Explique a confusão entre 'esposar' e 'esposas'.
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Como você diria 'to marry the princess' formalmente?
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Use 'esposar' para falar sobre uma mudança de vida.
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Qual o particípio passado de 'esposar'? Use-o em uma frase.
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قلت:
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Crie uma frase com 'esposar' no modo subjuntivo.
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Diga uma frase usando 'esposar' no passado (pretérito perfeito).
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Como você recomendaria a alguém que adotasse uma ideia usando 'esposar'?
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Diga 'esposar' no futuro do pretérito para 'eu'.
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Explique o sentido de 'esposar a fé'.
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Qual o gerúndio de 'esposar'? Use-o em uma frase.
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قلت:
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Diga uma frase sobre 'esposar a pobreza'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Ouça a frase e identifique o verbo: 'O magistrado esposou a decisão'.
Qual a diferença sonora entre 'esposa' (noun) e 'esposa' (verb)?
Identifique o tempo verbal: 'Eles esposariam qualquer causa justa'.
O que o locutor quis dizer com 'O autor esposa o liberalismo'?
Ouça e complete: 'É preciso ______ novos métodos'.
A palavra ouvida foi 'algemar' ou 'esposar'?
Identifique o número de sílabas na palavra 'esposar'.
Na frase 'Eles se esposaram', qual o sentido?
Qual o sentimento transmitido pela palavra 'esposar' em um discurso?
O locutor disse 'esposo' ou 'esposou'?
A frase 'A tese esposada' soa como algo comum ou erudito?
Identifique o sujeito: 'Esposamos a luta ambiental'.
Traduza mentalmente: 'I will espouse'.
Ouça a frase: 'O rei esposou a princesa'. O que aconteceu?
Qual a última letra ouvida na palavra 'esposar'?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Esposar is your go-to word for expressing deep, formal commitment to a person or an idea. Use it in academic or legal writing to sound more authoritative. Example: 'O tribunal esposou a nova lei' (The court adopted the new law).
- Esposar is a formal verb meaning to marry or to adopt a cause or idea.
- It is the sophisticated cousin of 'casar' (marry) and 'adotar' (adopt).
- Commonly found in legal texts, literature, and academic discussions about ideologies.
- It is a transitive direct verb, meaning it doesn't usually need a preposition.
Save it for Writing
Use 'esposar' in your written Portuguese—essays, emails to professors, or formal reports—to show off your advanced vocabulary.
No Prepositions!
Remember: 'esposar a tese', NOT 'esposar com a tese'. It acts directly on the object.
Think of the Ring
Associate 'esposar' with 'esposa' (wife). When you 'esposar' an idea, you are making it your permanent partner.
Legal Contexts
If you are studying law in Portuguese, 'esposar' is a mandatory word to know for reading court decisions.
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات family
à medida que
A2As; at the same time that.
abençoado
A2إنه رجل مبارك.
abrigo
A2المأوى آمن للجميع.
acarinhar
A2مداعبة شخص ما أو إظهار المودة له بلطف.
aceito
A2مقبول؛ معترف به بشكل عام أو متفق عليه. 'تم قبول الدفع' (O pagamento foi aceito).
acenar
A2يومئ أو يلوح بيده أو برأسه للتحية أو الموافقة.
acolher
A2To receive (a guest or new member) with pleasure and hospitality.
acolhimento
A2الترحيب أو الاستضافة الحارة. 'كان الاستقبال في الفندق رائعاً جداً.'
acolitar
B2مساعدة أو مرافقة شخص ما، مع تقديم العون أو الدعم أو الرفقة. / تقديم دعم نشط لشخص أو مجموعة، غالبًا من خلال التواجد الجسدي وتقديم المساعدة الملموسة أو المعنوية.
acomodar
A2الفعل 'acomodar' يعني توفير مكان للإقامة أو ترتيب الأشياء في مساحة ما.