impreciso in 30 Sekunden

  • Impreciso means not exact, accurate, or clear.
  • Used for measurements, descriptions, or statements lacking detail.
  • Requires gender and number agreement with the noun.
  • Synonyms include vago, indefinido, incorreto, errado, aproximado.

The Portuguese adjective impreciso describes something that lacks exactness, accuracy, or clarity. It's used when a statement, measurement, description, or even a feeling isn't sharp or well-defined. Think of it as the opposite of being precise or specific. It can apply to a wide range of situations, from the vagueness of a memory to the uncertainty of a scientific result.

Key Meanings
Vague or Unclear: When information is not detailed or specific enough. For example, an 'imprecise' instruction might leave you unsure of what to do.
Inaccurate: When something is not correct or exact, especially in terms of measurement or data. A 'imprecise' measurement might be close but not perfectly accurate.
Indefinite or Uncertain: When something is not fixed or clearly defined, leaving room for interpretation or doubt. A feeling might be described as 'imprecise' if it's hard to pinpoint exactly what you're experiencing.

A sua resposta foi um pouco imprecisa.

Translation: Your answer was a bit imprecise.

You'll often hear impreciso used in contexts where exactness is expected but not achieved, such as in scientific reports, historical accounts, or even everyday conversations about directions or plans. It highlights a lack of detail or a deviation from the exact truth or measurement.

O relatório continha dados imprecisos sobre as vendas.

Translation: The report contained imprecise data about the sales.
Usage Contexts
Measurements and Data: 'Uma medida imprecisa' (an imprecise measurement), 'dados imprecisos' (imprecise data).
Descriptions and Explanations: 'Uma descrição imprecisa' (an imprecise description), 'uma explicação imprecisa' (an imprecise explanation).
Feelings and Impressions: 'Uma sensação imprecisa' (an imprecise feeling), 'uma impressão imprecisa' (an imprecise impression).
Statements and Opinions: 'Uma afirmação imprecisa' (an imprecise statement), 'uma opinião imprecisa' (an imprecise opinion).

Understanding impreciso helps you identify when information might be lacking in detail or accuracy, prompting you to seek clarification or additional data. It's a crucial word for evaluating the reliability of information.

Using impreciso correctly involves placing it after the noun it modifies, agreeing in gender and number. As an adjective, it describes the noun, indicating a lack of exactness or accuracy. Let's explore various sentence structures:

Basic Structure
Noun + Ser/Estar + impreciso (singular masculine)
Noun + Ser/Estar + imprecisa (singular feminine)
Nouns (plural) + Ser/Estar + imprecisos (plural masculine/mixed)
Nouns (plural feminine) + Ser/Estar + imprecisas (plural feminine)

A informação que recebemos sobre o evento foi bastante imprecisa.

Translation: The information we received about the event was quite imprecise.

In this example, 'informação' is feminine singular, so we use the feminine singular form 'imprecisa'.

With Measurements
O resultado da medição é impreciso.
Translation: The measurement result is imprecise.
Esta balança fornece leituras imprecisas.
Translation: This scale provides imprecise readings.

Here, 'resultado' (masculine singular) takes 'impreciso', and 'leituras' (feminine plural) takes 'imprecisas'.

Describing Abstract Concepts
A sua compreensão do problema era imprecisa.
Translation: Your understanding of the problem was imprecise.
Os seus sentimentos sobre a mudança eram imprecisos.
Translation: Your feelings about the move were imprecise.

'Compreensão' (feminine singular) takes 'imprecisa', and 'sentimentos' (masculine plural) takes 'imprecisos'.

O mapa que usamos era antigo e as indicações imprecisas.

Translation: The map we used was old and the directions were imprecise.

The plural feminine noun 'indicações' requires the plural feminine adjective 'imprecisas'. Pay close attention to noun-adjective agreement in Portuguese!

You'll encounter impreciso in a variety of everyday and formal contexts in Portuguese-speaking countries. Its versatility allows it to describe anything from a casual observation to a critical assessment.

Everyday Conversations
When someone gives you directions that aren't quite right, you might say: 'As tuas indicações foram um pouco imprecisas.' (Your directions were a bit imprecise.)
If a friend describes a movie plot vaguely, you might respond: 'A tua descrição é imprecisa; podes ser mais específico?' (Your description is imprecise; can you be more specific?)

O meu relógio está um pouco impreciso ultimamente.

Translation: My watch has been a bit imprecise lately.
Academic and Professional Settings
In a scientific paper: 'Os resultados obtidos foram considerados imprecisos devido a flutuações ambientais.' (The results obtained were considered imprecise due to environmental fluctuations.)
When discussing a historical event: 'A fonte primária oferece uma narrativa imprecisa dos acontecimentos.' (The primary source offers an imprecise narrative of the events.)

You might also hear it in news reports when discussing statistics or polls that have a margin of error, or when a witness statement is deemed unreliable due to its vagueness.

A previsão do tempo para amanhã é um pouco imprecisa.

Translation: Tomorrow's weather forecast is a bit imprecise.

In summary, impreciso is a common adjective that you'll hear when people are discussing things that are not exact, clear, or accurate. It's a useful word to understand when evaluating the quality of information or descriptions.

When learning Portuguese, learners might make a few common mistakes when using the word impreciso. These often stem from direct translation from English or overlooking grammatical nuances.

Mistake 1: Incorrect Gender and Number Agreement
Incorrect: A informação é impreciso.
Correct: A informação é imprecisa.
Explanation: The noun 'informação' (information) is feminine singular. Therefore, the adjective must also be feminine singular, 'imprecisa'. Learners often forget to adjust the adjective's ending to match the noun's gender and number.

Os dados sobre o projeto são impreciso.

Translation: The data about the project is imprecise.
Mistake 2: Confusing 'Impreciso' with Similar Words
Incorrect: Ele deu uma resposta vagamente.
Correct: Ele deu uma resposta imprecisa.
Explanation: Learners might try to use an adverb like 'vagamente' (vaguely) when an adjective is needed to describe the noun 'resposta' (answer). 'Impreciso' is the correct adjective here.

Another common confusion is with words like 'errado' (wrong) or 'incorreto' (incorrect). While related, 'impreciso' specifically points to a lack of exactness or detail, rather than a complete falsehood.

Mistake 3: Overuse or Misapplication
Incorrect: O meu plano é impreciso para hoje.
Correct: O meu plano para hoje é vago / pouco definido.
Explanation: While 'impreciso' can sometimes be used for plans, words like 'vago' (vague) or 'pouco definido' (ill-defined) are often more natural fits for describing plans that lack detail. 'Impreciso' leans more towards factual inaccuracy or measurement error.

A estimativa de custo foi imprecisa.

Translation: The cost estimate was imprecise.

To avoid these mistakes, focus on practicing noun-adjective agreement and understanding the subtle differences in meaning between 'impreciso' and its related vocabulary.

While impreciso is a valuable word, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these synonyms and related terms will enrich your vocabulary and help you express yourself more precisely (or imprecisely, if that's the goal!).

Synonyms and Closely Related Words
Vague / Unclear
Vago (adjective): Similar to 'impreciso' when referring to something lacking detail or clarity. Often used for descriptions, ideas, or plans.
Exemplo: 'As suas instruções eram tão vagas que não sabia por onde começar.' (Your instructions were so vague that I didn't know where to start.)
Indefinido (adjective): Means undefined, not clearly fixed or determined. Can be used for things like 'limites indefinidos' (undefined limits) or 'um futuro indefinido' (an undefined future).
Exemplo: 'O prazo para a entrega do trabalho é indefinido.' (The deadline for submitting the work is undefined.)
Inaccurate / Incorrect
Incorreto (adjective): Means incorrect, wrong. This is a more direct opposite of correct.
Exemplo: 'A resposta que deu está incorreta.' (The answer you gave is incorrect.)
Errado (adjective): Also means wrong or mistaken. Very common and often interchangeable with 'incorreto' in many contexts.
Exemplo: 'Houve um erro errado no cálculo.' (There was a wrong error in the calculation. - *Note: 'erro errado' is redundant, better: 'Houve um erro no cálculo.' or 'O cálculo está errado.'*) A better example: 'A sua opinião está errada.' (Your opinion is wrong.)
Approximate / Estimated
Aproximado (adjective): Means approximate, close to the actual value but not exact. Often used for numbers and measurements.
Exemplo: 'O tempo estimado de chegada é de duas horas aproximadas.' (The estimated arrival time is approximately two hours.)

A distância é de cerca de 5 km, uma estimativa aproximada.

Translation: The distance is about 5 km, an approximate estimate.

Choosing the right word depends on context. If you're talking about a measurement that's slightly off, 'impreciso' or 'aproximado' might work. If a description lacks detail, 'vago' is better. If something is factually wrong, 'incorreto' or 'errado' are the go-to words.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The concept of 'precision' itself relates to cutting or defining boundaries clearly. When something is 'impreciso', it means those boundaries or definitions are not clear, sharp, or well-defined, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˌɪm.pɹɪˈsaɪ.su/
US /ˌɪm.pɹəˈsaɪ.soʊ/
The primary stress falls on the third syllable: im-pri-CI-so.
Reimt sich auf
gracioso nervoso curioso teimoso ambicioso laborioso precioso vaidoso
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 's' as 'z'.
  • Misplacing the stress on the first or last syllable.
  • Not clearly articulating the final vowel sound.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Understanding 'impreciso' in reading requires recognizing its meaning in context and correctly identifying noun-adjective agreement, which is a common B1-level grammar point.

Schreiben 3/5

Correctly using 'impreciso' in writing involves accurate gender and number agreement, which can be challenging for learners. Understanding its nuances compared to synonyms is also key.

Sprechen 3/5

Using 'impreciso' in spoken Portuguese requires quick recall of the correct form and context, making it a moderate challenge for B1 speakers.

Hören 2/5

Recognizing 'impreciso' in spoken Portuguese is relatively straightforward once the pronunciation and context are understood.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

ser estar nome adjetivo gênero número

Als Nächstes lernen

preciso exato vago aproximado estimativa medição

Fortgeschritten

ambiguidade nuance subjetividade objetividade tolerância (em medição)

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective-Noun Agreement: In Portuguese, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. 'Impreciso' becomes 'imprecisa' for feminine singular nouns, 'imprecisos' for masculine plural, and 'imprecisas' for feminine plural.

A medida (f.sg.) é imprecisa. Os dados (m.pl.) são imprecisos.

Use of 'Ser' vs. 'Estar': 'Ser' is used for inherent qualities or permanent states, while 'Estar' is used for temporary states or conditions. 'Impreciso' can be used with both, depending on whether the imprecision is seen as a characteristic or a current state.

O resultado do teste é impreciso (inherently flawed). O resultado do teste está impreciso hoje (maybe due to a temporary issue).

Adverb Placement: Adverbs modifying adjectives typically precede them. 'Um tanto impreciso.' (Somewhat imprecise.)

A informação está bastante imprecisa.

Formation of Plurals: Nouns ending in -o typically form plurals by changing -o to -os. Nouns ending in -a typically form plurals by changing -a to -as. Adjectives follow similar patterns.

Um dado impreciso -> Dois dados imprecisos. Uma medida imprecisa -> Duas medidas imprecisas.

Use of 'de' or 'em' with Adjectives: Some adjectives are followed by prepositions like 'de' or 'em' to indicate what they relate to.

Ele é impreciso em seus cálculos. A sua compreensão é imprecisa de detalhes.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

O meu desenho está um pouco impreciso.

My drawing is a bit imprecise.

Simple adjective usage after 'estar'.

2

A hora que disseste é imprecisa.

The time you said is imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'hora'.

3

Ele deu um número impreciso.

He gave an imprecise number.

Masculine singular agreement with 'número'.

4

A medida está imprecisa.

The measurement is imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'medida'.

5

A descrição é imprecisa.

The description is imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'descrição'.

6

O som estava impreciso.

The sound was imprecise.

Masculine singular agreement with 'som'.

7

Um plano impreciso não funciona.

An imprecise plan doesn't work.

Masculine singular agreement with 'plano'.

8

A memória dele é imprecisa.

His memory is imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'memória'.

1

O mapa que compramos é impreciso.

The map we bought is imprecise.

Masculine singular agreement with 'mapa'.

2

As instruções para montar o móvel eram imprecisas.

The instructions for assembling the furniture were imprecise.

Feminine plural agreement with 'instruções'.

3

Ele deu uma estimativa imprecisa do custo.

He gave an imprecise estimate of the cost.

Feminine singular agreement with 'estimativa'.

4

A qualidade da imagem está um pouco imprecisa.

The image quality is a bit imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'qualidade'.

5

O nosso conhecimento sobre o assunto ainda é impreciso.

Our knowledge about the subject is still imprecise.

Masculine singular agreement with 'conhecimento'.

6

A localização que ele indicou era imprecisa.

The location he indicated was imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'localização'.

7

Os dados recolhidos foram imprecisos.

The collected data were imprecise.

Masculine plural agreement with 'dados'.

8

A sua explicação sobre o acidente foi imprecisa.

Your explanation about the accident was imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'explicação'.

1

A previsão do tempo para amanhã parece um pouco imprecisa.

Tomorrow's weather forecast seems a bit imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'previsão'.

2

Os relatórios sobre a economia apresentavam números imprecisos.

The reports on the economy presented imprecise numbers.

Masculine plural agreement with 'números'.

3

A sua descrição da cena do crime foi imprecisa em vários pontos.

Your description of the crime scene was imprecise on several points.

Feminine singular agreement with 'descrição'.

4

Temos uma compreensão imprecisa de como funciona este mecanismo.

We have an imprecise understanding of how this mechanism works.

Masculine singular agreement with 'compreensão'.

5

O artista tentou capturar a emoção, mas o resultado foi impreciso.

The artist tried to capture the emotion, but the result was imprecise.

Masculine singular agreement with 'resultado'.

6

As coordenadas geográficas fornecidas eram imprecisas.

The geographical coordinates provided were imprecise.

Feminine plural agreement with 'coordenadas'.

7

Ele admitiu que a sua memória dos eventos era imprecisa.

He admitted that his memory of the events was imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'memória'.

8

A comunicação entre os departamentos tem sido imprecisa.

Communication between the departments has been imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'comunicação'.

1

A falta de dados concretos torna qualquer análise sobre o impacto social bastante imprecisa.

The lack of concrete data makes any analysis of the social impact quite imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'análise'.

2

Os historiadores debatem a precisão das fontes primárias, muitas das quais contêm narrativas imprecisas.

Historians debate the accuracy of primary sources, many of which contain imprecise narratives.

Feminine plural agreement with 'narrativas'.

3

O sistema de navegação por satélite pode apresentar leituras imprecisas em áreas com interferência.

The satellite navigation system can present imprecise readings in areas with interference.

Feminine plural agreement with 'leituras'.

4

A sua argumentação, embora persuasiva, baseia-se em premissas imprecisas.

Your argumentation, although persuasive, is based on imprecise premises.

Feminine plural agreement with 'premissas'.

5

A definição de 'bem-estar' pode ser considerada imprecisa em diferentes culturas.

The definition of 'well-being' can be considered imprecise across different cultures.

Feminine singular agreement with 'definição'.

6

Os resultados preliminares do estudo foram imprecisos e necessitam de mais validação.

The preliminary results of the study were imprecise and require further validation.

Masculine plural agreement with 'resultados'.

7

O artigo científico criticou a metodologia utilizada, considerando-a imprecisa.

The scientific article criticized the methodology used, considering it imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'metodologia'.

8

A percepção pública sobre a crise económica pode ser imprecisa devido à desinformação.

Public perception of the economic crisis can be imprecise due to misinformation.

Feminine singular agreement with 'percepção'.

1

A dificuldade em quantificar os efeitos a longo prazo torna qualquer projeção económica intrinsecamente imprecisa.

The difficulty in quantifying the long-term effects makes any economic projection intrinsically imprecise.

Feminine singular agreement with 'projeção'.

2

O testemunho ocular, embora valioso, é frequentemente sujeito a distorções e a uma memória imprecisa dos factos.

Eyewitness testimony, while valuable, is often subject to distortions and an imprecise memory of the facts.

Feminine singular agreement with 'memória'.

3

A ambiguidade inerente à linguagem figurada pode levar a interpretações imprecisas do texto literário.

The inherent ambiguity of figurative language can lead to imprecise interpretations of the literary text.

Feminine plural agreement with 'interpretações'.

4

Os modelos climáticos, apesar dos avanços tecnológicos, ainda produzem previsões imprecisas para escalas temporais mais longas.

Climate models, despite technological advancements, still produce imprecise forecasts for longer time scales.

Feminine plural agreement with 'previsões'.

5

A avaliação de risco em mercados emergentes é particularmente desafiadora devido à escassez de dados fiáveis e à natureza imprecisa das informações disponíveis.

Risk assessment in emerging markets is particularly challenging due to the scarcity of reliable data and the imprecise nature of available information.

Feminine singular agreement with 'natureza'.

6

A arte contemporânea, por vezes, explora a imprecisão intencional para provocar reflexão no espectador.

Contemporary art sometimes explores intentional imprecision to provoke reflection in the viewer.

Feminine singular agreement with 'imprecisão'.

7

A definição de 'saúde mental' evoluiu, afastando-se de conceções imprecisas e estigmatizantes.

The definition of 'mental health' has evolved, moving away from imprecise and stigmatizing concepts.

Feminine plural agreement with 'conceções'.

8

A comunicação política frequentemente recorre a declarações imprecisas para apelar a um público mais vasto.

Political communication frequently resorts to imprecise statements to appeal to a wider audience.

Feminine plural agreement with 'declarações'.

1

A natureza fractal de certos fenómenos naturais desafia a nossa capacidade de medição, resultando em descrições inerentemente imprecisas.

The fractal nature of certain natural phenomena challenges our measurement capabilities, resulting in inherently imprecise descriptions.

Feminine plural agreement with 'descrições'.

2

A hermenêutica moderna questiona a possibilidade de uma interpretação totalmente objetiva, reconhecendo a subjetividade e a imprecisão inerentes ao ato de ler.

Modern hermeneutics questions the possibility of a fully objective interpretation, recognizing the subjectivity and imprecision inherent in the act of reading.

Feminine singular agreement with 'imprecisão'.

3

A cartografia histórica muitas vezes reflete não apenas a geografia física, mas também as imprecisas percepções e crenças das épocas em que foram criadas.

Historical cartography often reflects not only physical geography but also the imprecise perceptions and beliefs of the eras in which they were created.

Feminine plural agreement with 'percepções'.

4

A análise de dados qualitativos, por sua própria natureza, pode gerar conclusões imprecisas se não for rigorosamente contextualizada.

The analysis of qualitative data, by its very nature, can generate imprecise conclusions if not rigorously contextualized.

Feminine plural agreement with 'conclusões'.

5

A linguagem diplomática, com a sua ênfase na polissemia e na ambiguidade calculada, pode ser vista como uma forma de comunicação deliberadamente imprecisa.

Diplomatic language, with its emphasis on polysemy and calculated ambiguity, can be seen as a form of deliberately imprecise communication.

Feminine singular agreement with 'comunicação'.

6

A reconstrução de eventos históricos a partir de fragmentos e testemunhos contraditórios inevitavelmente resulta numa narrativa imprecisa.

The reconstruction of historical events from fragments and contradictory testimonies inevitably results in an imprecise narrative.

Feminine singular agreement with 'narrativa'.

7

A arte performativa, ao desafiar as fronteiras entre o real e o simulado, pode evocar uma sensação de imprecisão intencional no público.

Performance art, by challenging the boundaries between the real and the simulated, can evoke a sense of intentional imprecision in the audience.

Feminine singular agreement with 'sensação'.

8

A filosofia pós-moderna critica a pretensão de verdades absolutas, abraçando a multiplicidade de perspetivas e a imprecisão como características fundamentais da realidade.

Postmodern philosophy criticizes the claim to absolute truths, embracing the multiplicity of perspectives and imprecision as fundamental characteristics of reality.

Feminine singular agreement with 'imprecisão'.

Häufige Kollokationen

informação imprecisa
medida imprecisa
resposta imprecisa
dados imprecisos
descrição imprecisa
estimativa imprecisa
conhecimento impreciso
mapa impreciso
relatório impreciso
previsão imprecisa

Häufige Phrasen

um pouco impreciso

— Slightly not exact or accurate; somewhat vague.

A sua resposta foi um pouco imprecisa, podes explicar melhor?

bastante impreciso

— Considerably not exact or accurate; quite vague.

O relatório continha dados bastante imprecisos sobre as vendas.

relativamente impreciso

— Comparatively not exact or accurate; relatively vague.

Este modelo é relativamente impreciso para fins de alta precisão.

perigosamente impreciso

— Dangerously not exact or accurate; dangerously vague.

Deixar instruções perigosamente imprecisas pode causar acidentes.

intrinsecamente impreciso

— By its very nature, not exact or accurate; inherently vague.

A natureza da arte moderna pode ser intrinsecamente imprecisa.

deliberadamente impreciso

— Intentionally not exact or accurate; deliberately vague.

O político fez uma declaração deliberadamente imprecisa.

notoriamente impreciso

— Widely known for being not exact or accurate; notoriously vague.

Aquele escritor é notoriamente impreciso nos detalhes históricos.

preocupantemente impreciso

— Worryingly not exact or accurate; worryingly vague.

A falta de clareza nas regras é preocupantemente imprecisa.

assustadoramente impreciso

— Alarmingly not exact or accurate; alarmingly vague.

O resultado foi assustadoramente impreciso, longe do esperado.

simplesmente impreciso

— Simply not exact or accurate; simply vague.

A sua explicação era simplesmente imprecisa e confusa.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

impreciso vs vago

'Vago' means vague or lacking detail, often applied to descriptions or ideas. 'Impreciso' implies a lack of exactness or accuracy, often in measurements or facts, and can also mean vague.

impreciso vs incorreto

'Incorreto' means incorrect or wrong. While something imprecise might also be incorrect, 'impreciso' specifically points to a lack of precision rather than a complete error.

impreciso vs aproximado

'Aproximado' means approximate or close to the actual value. 'Impreciso' can overlap, but 'aproximado' often suggests a deliberate estimation, whereas 'impreciso' might imply an unintentional lack of accuracy.

Leicht verwechselbar

impreciso vs vago

Both words describe a lack of clarity or specificity.

'Vago' focuses more on the lack of detail or definition, making something hard to grasp. 'Impreciso' focuses on the lack of exactness or accuracy, suggesting that a measurement or statement is not quite right or specific enough.

A sua descrição do suspeito foi vaga (lacked details). A sua descrição do suspeito foi imprecisa (the details provided were not accurate).

impreciso vs incorreto

Both suggest something is not right.

'Incorreto' means factually wrong or mistaken. 'Impreciso' means not exact or accurate; it might be close to the truth but not perfectly so. A statement can be imprecise without being entirely incorrect.

O número que ele disse estava incorreto (completely wrong). O número que ele disse estava impreciso (it was a rough estimate, maybe slightly off).

impreciso vs aproximado

Both can be used when exactness isn't achieved.

'Aproximado' implies a deliberate estimation or a value that is close to the exact one. 'Impreciso' can suggest an unintentional lack of accuracy or a measurement that is simply not exact, possibly due to faulty equipment or method.

A distância aproximada é de 10km (a reasonable guess). A medida aproximada da sala era de 4x5 metros (but the actual dimensions were 4.1x5.2).

impreciso vs confuso

Both can relate to a lack of clarity.

'Confuso' means confusing or disordered, often describing a state of mind or a situation that is difficult to understand. 'Impreciso' refers to a lack of exactness or accuracy in information, measurements, or descriptions.

A sua explicação foi confusa (hard to follow). A sua explicação foi imprecisa (the facts it contained were not exact).

impreciso vs indefinido

Both imply a lack of clear boundaries or specifics.

'Indefinido' means undefined, not clearly fixed or determined. It often applies to abstract concepts, limits, or futures. 'Impreciso' is more about the lack of exactness in a measurable or factual sense.

Os limites da área são indefinidos (no clear borders). As coordenadas eram imprecisas (the numbers were not exact).

Satzmuster

A1

Subject + Ser/Estar + impreciso/a.

O tempo está impreciso.

A2

Article + Noun (f.sg.) + Ser/Estar + imprecisa.

A medida está imprecisa.

B1

Subject (m.pl.) + Ser/Estar + imprecisos.

Os dados são imprecisos.

B1

Adverb + impreciso/a/os/as.

Uma resposta bastante imprecisa.

B2

Noun + Ser/Estar + impreciso/a/os/as + Preposition + Noun.

A sua compreensão do assunto é imprecisa sobre os detalhes.

B2

Relative Clause modifying Noun + impreciso/a/os/as.

O relatório que recebi continha informações imprecisas.

C1

Complex Subject + Ser/Estar + impreciso/a/os/as.

A falta de clareza na comunicação tornou a situação imprecisa.

C1

Impreciso/a/os/as + Noun + (further description).

Uma análise imprecisa dos factos levou a conclusões erradas.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

imprecisão

Adjektive

impreciso

Verwandt

preciso
precisão
precisar
imprecisão
imprecisamente

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common

Häufige Fehler
  • Forgetting adjective agreement. A informação é imprecisa.

    Learners often use the masculine singular form 'impreciso' regardless of the noun's gender or number. 'Informação' is feminine singular, so the adjective must be 'imprecisa'.

  • Using 'impreciso' when 'vago' is more appropriate. A descrição do local era vaga.

    While 'impreciso' can mean vague, 'vago' is often preferred when talking about a lack of detail in descriptions or ideas. 'Impreciso' leans more towards factual inaccuracy or lack of exactness.

  • Confusing 'impreciso' with 'incorreto'. A medida está imprecisa, mas perto do valor certo.

    'Impreciso' means not exact. 'Incorreto' means wrong. A measurement can be imprecise (slightly off) but still closer to correct than a completely incorrect one.

  • Incorrect adverb placement. Ele deu uma resposta bastante imprecisa.

    Adverbs like 'bastante' (quite) or 'pouco' (a bit) typically precede the adjective they modify.

  • Using 'impreciso' for abstract concepts where 'indefinido' fits better. O futuro da empresa é indefinido.

    'Indefinido' is used for things that are not clearly fixed or determined, like a future outcome. 'Impreciso' relates more to a lack of exactness in details or measurements.

Tipps

Agreement is Key

Always remember to make 'impreciso' agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. This is crucial for correct Portuguese grammar. For example, 'uma resposta imprecisa' (a feminine singular noun) but 'resultados imprecisos' (a masculine plural noun).

Context is King

The nuance of 'impreciso' can shift. Consider if you mean vague (lacking detail), inaccurate (factually wrong), or approximate (close but not exact). Choose synonyms like 'vago', 'incorreto', or 'aproximado' when they fit better.

Stress and Sound

Focus on stressing the third syllable: im-pri-CI-so. Pay attention to the vowel sounds, especially the ending 'o' or 'u', to ensure clear pronunciation.

When to Use It

Use 'impreciso' when referring to measurements, data, descriptions, or statements that are not exact or accurate. It's a useful term for acknowledging uncertainty or a lack of sharp definition.

Visual Aids

Connect 'impreciso' with images of blurriness, fog, or shaky lines. Visualizing these helps solidify the meaning of lacking clarity and exactness.

Sentence Building

Create your own sentences using 'impreciso' with different nouns and in various grammatical structures. This active practice is essential for retention and confident usage.

Antonym Focus

Actively contrast 'impreciso' with its antonyms like 'preciso' and 'exato'. Understanding the opposite helps define the word's boundaries more clearly.

Real-World Examples

Seek out examples of 'impreciso' in Portuguese media, books, or conversations. Observing its use in natural settings reinforces its meaning and application.

Self-Correction

When you write or speak, review your use of 'impreciso'. Ask yourself if it's the most accurate word for the situation and if the grammar is correct.

Nuance Matters

Explore synonyms like 'vago', 'incorreto', and 'aproximado'. Understanding their subtle differences will allow you to choose the most precise word for your intended meaning.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a painter trying to draw a perfect circle but their hand is shaky, making the circle 'im-perfect' and 'im-precise'. The 'im-' prefix signals the lack of perfection and precision.

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a foggy landscape where shapes are indistinct and unclear. This visual vagueness represents the meaning of 'impreciso'.

Word Web

vagueness inaccuracy unclear rough estimate not specific approximation indefinite ambiguous

Herausforderung

Try to describe a familiar object in your home using only imprecise terms. Then, try to describe it using precise terms and compare the difference.

Wortherkunft

The word 'impreciso' comes from Latin. It is formed by the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') and the adjective 'precisus', which is the past participle of the verb 'praecidere', meaning 'to cut off', 'to cut short', or 'to define'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Literally, 'not cut short' or 'not defined' in a sharp or distinct way, leading to the sense of being vague or not exact.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Portuguese

Kultureller Kontext

When using 'impreciso', be mindful of the context. While it can be a neutral descriptor, in some situations, calling someone's statement 'impreciso' might be perceived as a mild criticism, implying they need to be more careful or thorough.

In English, similar concepts are conveyed by 'imprecise', 'vague', 'inaccurate', 'approximate', or 'unclear'. The Portuguese word 'impreciso' often bridges the gap between 'vague' and 'inaccurate'.

Scientific papers often discuss 'medidas imprecisas' (imprecise measurements) or 'dados imprecisos' (imprecise data) when reporting experimental results. Historical accounts might refer to 'informações imprecisas' (imprecise information) from ancient sources. In engineering or construction, 'tolerâncias imprecisas' (imprecise tolerances) can lead to significant problems.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Scientific research and data reporting.

  • dados imprecisos
  • resultados imprecisos
  • medida imprecisa
  • análise imprecisa

Giving or receiving directions or instructions.

  • instruções imprecisas
  • indicações imprecisas
  • descrição imprecisa

Discussing measurements, estimations, or approximations.

  • estimativa imprecisa
  • cálculo impreciso
  • número impreciso

Describing subjective experiences or feelings.

  • sensação imprecisa
  • impressão imprecisa
  • compreensão imprecisa

Evaluating the quality of information or statements.

  • informação imprecisa
  • resposta imprecisa
  • declaração imprecisa

Gesprächseinstiege

"Is there anything you find generally imprecise in everyday life?"

"Can you think of a time when imprecise information caused a problem for you?"

"How do you deal with imprecise instructions when you receive them?"

"What's the difference between something being imprecise and something being wrong?"

"In which situations is imprecision acceptable, and when is it not?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a situation where you or someone else gave an imprecise answer. What were the consequences?

Reflect on a time you received imprecise directions. How did you navigate the situation?

Consider a concept you find difficult to grasp. Would you describe your understanding as imprecise? Why or why not?

Think about a recent measurement you took. Was it precise or imprecise? What factors might have contributed to its accuracy or lack thereof?

Write about a piece of art or music that evokes a sense of imprecision for you. What elements contribute to this feeling?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

'Impreciso' means not exact, accurate, or clear, while 'preciso' means exact, accurate, sharp, or specific. They are direct opposites. For example, 'A medida foi imprecisa' (The measurement was imprecise), whereas 'A medida foi precisa' (The measurement was precise).

'Impreciso' often relates to factual or numerical inaccuracy, suggesting something is not quite right. 'Vago' is more about lack of detail or clarity in descriptions or ideas. You might have 'informações imprecisas' (imprecise information) if the facts are wrong, but a 'descrição vaga' (vague description) if it lacks detail.

Yes, like most Portuguese adjectives, 'impreciso' must agree in gender and number with the noun. It becomes 'imprecisa' for feminine singular nouns, 'imprecisos' for masculine plural, and 'imprecisas' for feminine plural.

Yes, it can. You might say 'Tenho uma sensação imprecisa sobre isso' (I have an imprecise feeling about this), meaning the feeling is hard to define or pinpoint exactly.

It can be, depending on the context. Calling a scientific measurement 'impreciso' is a factual statement. However, calling someone's explanation 'impreciso' might imply they were careless or not thorough, so context is important.

The direct opposite of 'impreciso' in terms of exactness is 'preciso' or 'exato'. If you mean factually wrong, then 'incorreto' or 'errado' are more appropriate.

The stress is on the third syllable: im-pri-CI-so. The pronunciation is roughly /ˌɪm.pɹəˈsaɪ.soʊ/ in American English and /ˌɪm.pɹɪˈsaɪ.su/ in British English.

Yes, phrases like 'um pouco impreciso' (a bit imprecise), 'bastante impreciso' (quite imprecise), and 'dados imprecisos' (imprecise data) are frequently used.

'Aproximado' suggests a deliberate estimation or a value that is close to the correct one. 'Impreciso' can imply an unintentional lack of accuracy or a measurement that is simply not exact.

The noun form is 'imprecisão', which means imprecision, vagueness, or inaccuracy.

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