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A1 adjective #6,000 más común 11 min de lectura

medroso

Q: What is the difference between 'medroso' and 'medo'?

The main difference is their grammatical function. Medo is a noun, meaning 'fear'. For example, 'Eu tenho medo de altura' (I have a fear of heights). Medroso is an adjective, meaning 'fearful' or 'scared'. It describes someone or something that possesses that fear. For example, 'Ele é medroso ' (He is fearful).

Q: Is 'medroso' a strong word?

Generally, medroso is not a very strong word. It describes someone who is easily frightened or timid. It's less intense than 'apavorado' (terrified) or 'aterrorizado' (horrified). It's also much milder and less judgmental than 'covarde' (cowardly).

Q: Can 'medroso' be used to describe things?

Yes, medroso can be used figuratively to describe things that might seem intimidating or frightening. For example, 'um caminho medroso ' (a frightening path) or 'um filme medroso ' (a scary movie). In these cases, it describes the quality of inducing fear.

Q: What's the difference between 'medroso' and 'tímido'?

While they can sometimes overlap, medroso specifically refers to being fearful or easily scared. Tímido refers to being shy, often in social situations, and implies a lack of confidence rather than a direct fear of danger.

Q: Are there any negative connotations with 'medroso'?

While medroso is often descriptive, calling an adult medroso can sometimes imply a mild criticism about a lack of bravery, depending on the context. However, it's generally considered less harsh than calling someone 'covarde'.

Q: Can 'medroso' be used for groups of people?

Yes. For a group of males or a mixed group, you would use medrosos (e.g., 'os meninos medrosos'). For a group of females, you use medrosas (e.g., 'as meninas medrosas').

Q: What is a good antonym for 'medroso'?

The most direct antonyms are corajoso (brave), valente (valiant), or destemido (fearless).

Q: Is 'medroso' used in formal or informal contexts?

Medroso can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in everyday, neutral, or informal speech. In very formal or academic writing, you might encounter synonyms like 'temeroso' or more descriptive phrases.

Top 6,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos medroso en 30 segundos

Explicación medroso in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to basic vocabulary. Medroso is a descriptive adjective that helps learners talk about simple emotions and characteristics. Understanding it allows them to describe people or animals they encounter in basic terms. For A1 learners, the focus is on recognizing the word and its most straightforward meaning: 'fearful' or 'scared'. They will learn to associate it with simple contexts, like a child being afraid of the dark or a small animal being easily startled. The grammatical aspect at this level is minimal, focusing on recognizing the basic form medroso and perhaps its feminine form medrosa when presented with clear examples. The goal is to build a foundational vocabulary for describing common traits and feelings.

At the A2 level, learners expand their vocabulary and can engage in simple conversations. Medroso becomes more useful as learners can start to describe personality traits more nuancedly. They can use it in simple sentences to describe themselves or others. For example, "Eu sou um pouco medroso" (I am a bit fearful) or "O cachorro dela é medroso" (Her dog is fearful). Learners at this stage will also begin to grasp adjective agreement, understanding that medroso changes to medrosa for feminine nouns and potentially to medrosos/ medrosas for plurals, though the focus is on singular forms. The contexts for medroso will expand to include common fears like heights, spiders, or loud noises.

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At the B1 level, learners can handle most common situations and express opinions. Medroso can be used to describe more complex situations or personalities. Learners can now discuss fears in a more descriptive way, perhaps comparing their own level of fear to others. They will be comfortable with adjective agreement in all forms (singular, plural, masculine, feminine). The word can be used in sentences that require more detail, such as explaining why someone avoids a certain activity. For example, "Ele é medroso demais para tentar escalar a montanha" (He is too fearful to try climbing the mountain). Learners might also start to encounter or use it in slightly more figurative language, like describing a daunting task as medroso.

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At the B2 level, learners can understand complex ideas and communicate fluently. Medroso can be used in more nuanced discussions, including expressing personal opinions about bravery or fear. Learners can differentiate medroso from stronger terms like covarde (cowardly) and understand the subtle differences with words like tímido (shy) or receoso (apprehensive). They can employ it in discussions about character analysis in literature or film, or in debates about risk-taking. The use of medroso will be grammatically perfect, and learners can use it in a variety of sentence structures and contexts, including more abstract or hypothetical scenarios.

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At the C1 level, learners have a high degree of fluency and can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts. Medroso can be used with great precision and subtlety. Learners can employ it in sophisticated discussions, perhaps analyzing the psychological aspects of fear or contrasting different cultural attitudes towards bravery. They can use medroso in complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses and idiomatic expressions. The word might appear in literary analysis, psychological studies, or critical reviews, where its precise meaning and connotations are important. Learners can also use it ironically or humorously, demonstrating a deep understanding of its cultural and social implications.

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At the C2 level, learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Medroso can be used with native-like fluency and a complete mastery of its connotations. Learners can employ it in highly specialized contexts, such as academic discourse on psychology, sociology, or philosophy, where the concept of fear is central. They can use medroso in creative writing, poetry, or sophisticated argumentation, demonstrating an intuitive grasp of its semantic range and register. The word might be used in its most literal sense, or in highly figurative, ironic, or even archaic ways, reflecting a profound understanding of the Portuguese language and its cultural heritage.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

medroso en 30 segundos

Medroso means fearful or easily frightened.
It describes a personality trait or a reaction to fear.
Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun.
Use medroso for masculine singular nouns.

The Portuguese word medroso is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is easily frightened, timid, or fearful. It conveys a sense of apprehension or a lack of bravery when facing potential danger, challenges, or even unfamiliar situations. Think of it as the Portuguese equivalent of 'fearful,' 'timid,' or 'cowardly,' depending on the intensity and context.

You might hear medroso used to describe a person who is generally shy and avoids confrontation, or someone who gets scared easily by loud noises, dark places, or scary movies. It can also be applied to animals that are skittish, like a dog that barks at every stranger or a bird that flies away at the slightest movement. Sometimes, it's used more lightly to describe someone being overly cautious or hesitant about something that isn't truly dangerous, perhaps in a humorous way.

For example, a child who is afraid of the dark might be called medroso by their parents. Similarly, if someone refuses to try a new, slightly challenging activity because they are worried about failing or getting hurt, others might describe them as medroso. It's a common adjective that paints a clear picture of someone's disposition towards fear and apprehension.

It's important to note that while medroso can sometimes imply a lack of courage, it's often used descriptively rather than judgmentally. It simply states that a person or creature tends to experience fear readily. The context and tone of voice will usually determine if it's a mild observation or a stronger criticism.

In essence, medroso captures the essence of being easily scared. It's a versatile word that can be applied to a wide range of situations and individuals who exhibit a tendency towards fear or timidity.

Key Characteristics: Easily frightened or scared.; Timid or lacking bravery.; Apprehensive or hesitant in the face of perceived danger.; Can apply to people, animals, or even things that evoke fear.

O cão é muito medroso.

The dog is very fearful.

Ele é um menino medroso.

He is a fearful boy.

A criança medrosa não queria entrar no quarto escuro.

The fearful child did not want to enter the dark room.

Using medroso correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective and how it modifies nouns. In Portuguese, adjectives usually follow the noun they describe, and they must agree in gender and number. Since medroso ends in 'o', its masculine singular form is medroso. The feminine singular form is medrosa, and the plural forms are medrosos (masculine plural) and medrosas (feminine plural).

Let's look at some examples to see how it fits into sentences. When describing a male person or a masculine noun, you'll use medroso. For instance: "O gato medroso escondeu-se debaixo da cama." (The fearful cat hid under the bed.) Here, 'gato' is masculine singular, so we use medroso.

If you are describing a female person or a feminine noun, you must use medrosa. For example: "Ela é uma pessoa muito medrosa." (She is a very fearful person.) 'Pessoa' is feminine singular, hence medrosa.

When referring to multiple males or a mixed group, or masculine nouns in plural, you use medrosos. Consider this: "Os meninos medrosos não queriam pular do trampolim." (The fearful boys did not want to jump from the diving board.) 'Meninos' is masculine plural.

For multiple females or feminine nouns in plural, the form is medrosas. An example would be: "As meninas medrosas ficaram juntas perto da professora." (The fearful girls stayed together near the teacher.) 'Meninas' is feminine plural.

You can also use medroso to describe things that might seem intimidating or frightening. For instance, "Este é um caminho medroso." (This is a frightening path.) Here, 'caminho' is masculine singular.

Sometimes, medroso can be used in a slightly more figurative sense, like describing a situation that is daunting. "Ele enfrentou um desafio medroso com coragem." (He faced a daunting challenge with courage.) While 'desafio' is masculine, the adjective describes the nature of the challenge itself as fear-inducing.

In summary, to use medroso effectively, pay close attention to the noun it modifies and adjust the ending accordingly for gender and number. This attention to grammatical agreement is crucial for sounding natural in Portuguese.

Sentence Structures: Noun + medroso (masculine singular); Noun + medrosa (feminine singular); Noun + medrosos (masculine plural); Noun + medrosas (feminine plural)

O cavalo medroso não queria atravessar a ponte.

The fearful horse did not want to cross the bridge.

A menina medrosa ficou em casa.

The fearful girl stayed home.

Os turistas medrosos evitaram a trilha íngreme.

The fearful tourists avoided the steep trail.

As crianças medrosas não quiseram brincar no escuro.

The fearful children did not want to play in the dark.

You'll encounter the word medroso in many everyday situations in Portuguese-speaking countries. It's a common adjective used in casual conversations, in media, and even in children's stories. For instance, when parents are talking about their children's behavior, they might say, "Meu filho é um pouco medroso, ele tem medo de trovões." (My son is a bit fearful, he's afraid of thunder.) This is a very typical way to describe a child's temperament.

In discussions about pets, it's also frequent. You might hear someone say, "Adotei um cachorro medroso que foi abandonado." (I adopted a fearful dog that was abandoned.) This highlights the emotional state of the animal and its past experiences.

In media, particularly in news reports or documentaries about wildlife, you might hear descriptions like: "O animal medroso evitou o predador." (The fearful animal avoided the predator.) This usage emphasizes the instinctual reactions of animals.

Children's literature often uses medroso to characterize characters. For example, a story might feature a brave knight who has a medroso squire, adding a touch of humor or relatability. This makes the characters more complex and engaging for young readers.

When people discuss personal challenges or fears, medroso can come up in a more personal context. Someone might say, "Eu sou um pouco medroso com alturas, então não gosto de ir a lugares altos." (I am a bit fearful of heights, so I don't like going to high places.) This is a direct way of expressing a personal phobia.

In informal settings, friends might tease each other gently. If someone is hesitant to try something new or scary, a friend might playfully say, "Não seja medroso, vai ser divertido!" (Don't be fearful, it will be fun!) This shows how the word is used in everyday social interactions.

You might also hear it in discussions about movies or stories. "O filme era muito medroso, com muitas cenas assustadoras." (The movie was very scary, with many frightening scenes.) Here, it describes the quality of the movie itself.

So, whether you're listening to conversations about children, pets, nature, or personal feelings, the word medroso is a common and useful term to understand.

Common Scenarios: Describing children's fears (e.g., fear of the dark, thunder).; Characterizing pets, especially those with anxious temperaments.; Discussing wildlife and their reactions to danger.; In children's books and stories for character development.; Expressing personal phobias or anxieties (e.g., heights, spiders).; In informal playful teasing among friends.

Aquele filme de terror é muito medroso!

That horror movie is very scary!

O meu gato é medroso e foge de barulhos altos.

My cat is fearful and runs away from loud noises.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when learning to use medroso is not paying attention to adjective agreement. In English, adjectives don't change form based on the noun they describe. However, in Portuguese, they must agree in gender and number. Forgetting this can lead to sentences like "O menino medrosa" (incorrect) instead of "O menino medroso" (correct). Similarly, using the masculine form for a feminine noun is a frequent error.

Another common pitfall is confusing medroso with words that imply a stronger sense of cowardice or a more permanent character flaw. While medroso means fearful, it doesn't always carry the same negative judgment as 'cowardly'. Using medroso where 'cowardly' is truly intended might sound too mild, and using a stronger word for someone who is simply a bit timid could be overly harsh.

Misunderstanding the intensity of fear can also lead to errors. Medroso generally describes someone who is easily frightened or hesitant, but not necessarily someone who is paralyzed by fear. If someone is experiencing extreme terror, other words might be more appropriate. For example, describing a person in a life-threatening situation as merely medroso might not fully capture the severity of their emotion.

A subtle mistake can also be in verb conjugation when using medroso as part of a predicate adjective. For instance, saying "Ele é medroso" (He is fearful) is correct, but learners might sometimes try to conjugate the adjective itself, which is not how it works in Portuguese.

Finally, translating directly from English can lead to awkward phrasing. While 'fearful' is a good translation, English uses 'fear' as a noun and verb in ways that don't always map directly. Relying solely on direct translation without considering Portuguese sentence structure and common collocations can result in unnatural-sounding sentences.

To avoid these mistakes, focus on practicing adjective agreement, understanding the nuances of medroso compared to similar words, and listening to how native speakers use it in various contexts.

Common Errors for Learners: Ignoring adjective agreement (gender and number).; Confusing medroso with stronger terms like 'cowardly' or weaker terms like 'cautious'.; Misjudging the intensity of fear described by medroso.; Incorrectly conjugating or applying the adjective.; Over-reliance on direct translation from English.

Incorrecto: A menina medroso dormiu.
Correcto: A menina medrosa dormiu.

Mistake: The fearful girl slept. (Incorrect gender agreement)

Incorrecto: Ele é um medroso pessoa.
Correcto: Ele é uma pessoa medrosa.

Mistake: He is a fearful person. (Incorrect placement and agreement)

While medroso is a common and useful word, there are other Portuguese words that convey similar or related meanings. Understanding these alternatives can help you express yourself more precisely.

Timido (Adjective): Similar to medroso, 'tímido' means shy or timid. It often implies a lack of confidence and a tendency to avoid social interaction or attention. While a medroso person might be tímido, tímido doesn't necessarily imply fear of danger, but rather social discomfort.; Example: "Ele é muito tímido para falar em público." (He is very shy to speak in public.)

Assustado (Adjective): Assustado means scared or frightened. It's often used to describe a reaction to a specific event or stimulus. While a medroso person is often assustado, assustado can describe a temporary state of fear, whereas medroso can describe a more inherent trait.; Example: "O barulho o deixou assustado." (The noise left him scared.)

Covarde (Adjective): Covarde translates to 'cowardly' and carries a much stronger, often negative, connotation than medroso. It implies a lack of courage in the face of danger or adversity, often to a degree that is seen as shameful. Someone who is medroso might be called covarde by someone judgmental, but medroso is a more neutral description.; Example: "O soldado covarde fugiu da batalha." (The cowardly soldier fled from the battle.)

Receoso (Adjective): Receoso means apprehensive or fearful, often in anticipation of something negative. It's very close to medroso but can sometimes imply a more specific worry about a future event or outcome.; Example: "Estou receoso sobre o resultado do exame." (I am apprehensive about the exam result.)

Amedrontado (Adjective): Amedrontado is similar to assustado and means frightened or intimidated. It often implies that something or someone has actively caused the fear.; Example: "O cão ficou amedrontado com os fogos de artifício." (The dog became frightened by the fireworks.)

Choosing the right word depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Medroso is a good general term for someone who is easily frightened. If you want to emphasize shyness, use tímido. For a temporary state of being scared, assustado or amedrontado are suitable. Use covarde only when you intend to imply a strong lack of courage, and receoso for apprehension about the future.

Word Comparisons: Medroso vs. Tímido: Medroso is about fear; Tímido is about shyness/social anxiety.; Medroso vs. Assustado: Medroso is a trait; Assustado is a temporary state.; Medroso vs. Covarde: Medroso is generally neutral or mild; Covarde is strongly negative and judgmental.; Medroso vs. Receoso: Medroso is general fear; Receoso is often anticipation of future negative events.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The Latin root 'metus' is also related to words in other Romance languages, such as 'miedo' in Spanish and 'mèdô' in Romanian, all signifying fear. The '-oso' suffix is common in Portuguese and Spanish for creating adjectives.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /meˈdɾozu/

US /meˈdɾozu/

The stress falls on the second syllable: me-DRO-so.

Rima con

poderoso glorioso nervoso curioso laborioso precioso famoso burro

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'r' as a single flap instead of a rolled 'r'.
Not stressing the second syllable.
Confusing the vowel sounds, especially the final 'o'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

At the A1/A2 level, medroso is easy to recognize in simple texts. Its meaning is usually clear from context, and its grammatical form is straightforward in basic sentences. Learners will encounter it frequently in materials designed for beginners.

Escritura 2/5

Beginners might initially struggle with adjective agreement, but with practice, using medroso in writing becomes manageable. The core meaning is simple to apply, making it a useful word for describing characters or situations.

Expresión oral 2/5

Pronunciation is relatively easy. The main challenge in speaking is applying the correct gender and number agreement spontaneously. With some practice, it becomes a natural part of a learner's vocabulary for describing emotions.

Escucha 2/5

As a common word, medroso is usually easy to understand when spoken, especially in clear contexts. Its meaning is reinforced by the surrounding words and the situation.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

medo ser estar gato cão

Aprende después

corajoso tímido assustado covarde receoso

Avanzado

apreensão timidez temor intrepidez audácia

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Agreement in Portuguese

O menino medroso. A menina medrosa. Os cães medrosos. As gatas medrosas.

Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar' with Adjectives

Ele é medroso (personality trait). Ele está assustado (temporary state).

Prepositions with Adjectives

Ele é medroso de altura. Ela é medrosa com barulhos.

Adjectives as Nouns

Os medrosos preferem ficar em casa.

Using 'Muito' and 'Pouco' with Adjectives

Ele é muito medroso. Ela é um pouco medrosa.

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Ejemplos por nivel

O gato é medroso.

The cat is fearful.

Basic adjective placement after the noun.

Ele é medroso.

He is fearful.

Simple description of a person.

A menina é medrosa.

The girl is fearful.

Feminine form of the adjective.

O cão medroso late.

The fearful dog barks.

Adjective modifying a noun.

Não seja medroso!

Don't be fearful!

Imperative command.

Tenho um amigo medroso.

I have a fearful friend.

Using 'ter' with an adjective.

O escuro é medroso para ele.

The dark is fearful for him.

Describing a situation as fearful.

O pássaro medroso voou.

The fearful bird flew away.

Adjective describing an animal's action.

O meu irmão é muito medroso com barulhos altos.

My brother is very fearful of loud noises.

Using 'com' to indicate what one is fearful of.

Aquela criança medrosa não quer ir ao médico.

That fearful child doesn't want to go to the doctor.

Using the adjective to describe a specific child.

Por ser medroso, ele evita montanhas-russas.

Because he is fearful, he avoids roller coasters.

Using 'por ser' (because of being) to explain a behavior.

As cadelas medrosas ficam perto da dona.

The fearful female dogs stay close to their owner.

Feminine plural adjective agreement.

Ele tem um medo medroso de aranhas.

He has a fearful fear of spiders.

Slightly redundant usage, but common for emphasis.

O filme era tão medroso que não consegui dormir.

The movie was so scary that I couldn't sleep.

Using 'tão... que' (so... that) structure.

Não sejas medroso, vamos lá!

Don't be fearful, let's go!

Informal imperative with 'sejas'.

Os ratos medrosos fugiram quando acendi a luz.

The fearful mice fled when I turned on the light.

Masculine plural adjective agreement.

Ele é um homem medroso, sempre a hesitar antes de tomar decisões.

He is a fearful man, always hesitating before making decisions.

Describing a personality trait linked to behavior.

Apesar de ser medrosa, ela tentou enfrentar o seu medo de altura.

Despite being fearful, she tried to face her fear of heights.

Using 'apesar de ser' (despite being) and contrasting with an action.

Os medrosos animais da floresta raramente se aventuram perto da aldeia.

The fearful animals of the forest rarely venture near the village.

Using the adjective as a noun to refer to a group.

Sinto-me um pouco medroso sobre o futuro, mas tento ser otimista.

I feel a bit fearful about the future, but I try to be optimistic.

Expressing apprehension about an abstract concept.

O seu comportamento medroso na festa de ontem foi notório.

His fearful behavior at yesterday's party was notorious.

Describing behavior as fearful.

Não é ser medroso, é ser cauteloso.

It's not being fearful, it's being cautious.

Distinguishing medroso from another trait.

As crianças medrosas foram protegidas pelos mais corajosos.

The fearful children were protected by the braver ones.

Plural adjective agreement and contrast.

Um espírito medroso não conquista grandes feitos.

A fearful spirit does not achieve great deeds.

Figurative use of medroso to describe an abstract noun.

Ele é frequentemente criticado por ser excessivamente medroso em situações de risco.

He is often criticized for being excessively fearful in risky situations.

Using adverbs like 'excessivamente' to modify the adjective.

A sua reação medrosa perante o desconhecido revela uma profunda insegurança.

His fearful reaction to the unknown reveals a deep insecurity.

Linking a fearful reaction to a psychological state.

É importante distinguir entre ser medroso e ser prudente.

It is important to distinguish between being fearful and being prudent.

Comparing medroso with a positive trait.

Os medrosos tendem a evitar confrontos, mesmo quando necessário.

Fearful people tend to avoid confrontations, even when necessary.

Using the adjective as a noun for a general group.

O conto retrata um herói medroso que, com o tempo, encontra a sua coragem.

The short story portrays a fearful hero who, over time, finds his courage.

Character development description in literature.

A sua natureza medrosa impedia-o de explorar novas oportunidades.

His fearful nature prevented him from exploring new opportunities.

Describing a 'nature' as fearful.

O medroso espectador cobriu os olhos durante a cena mais intensa.

The fearful spectator covered their eyes during the most intense scene.

Describing a specific role (spectator) as fearful.

Não se trata de ser medroso, mas sim de reconhecer perigos reais.

It's not about being fearful, but rather about recognizing real dangers.

Contrasting medroso with a more rational approach.

A psicanálise explora as raízes de um comportamento intrinsecamente medroso.

Psychoanalysis explores the roots of an intrinsically fearful behavior.

Formal, academic language with 'intrinsecamente'.

A sua relutância em abraçar a mudança podia ser interpretada como uma manifestação medrosa da sua personalidade.

His reluctance to embrace change could be interpreted as a fearful manifestation of his personality.

Complex sentence structure and abstract concepts.

O conto subverte a expectativa ao apresentar um herói que, apesar de medroso, demonstra uma resiliência notável.

The short story subverts expectations by presenting a hero who, despite being fearful, shows remarkable resilience.

Literary analysis, using 'apesar de' with an adjective.

A sociedade, por vezes, estigmatiza o indivíduo medroso, esquecendo-se da complexidade das emoções humanas.

Society sometimes stigmatizes the fearful individual, forgetting the complexity of human emotions.

Societal critique, using medroso in a critical context.

A sua abordagem medrosa a investimentos financeiros contrastava com a audácia dos seus pares.

His fearful approach to financial investments contrasted with the audacity of his peers.

Comparing fearful behavior with boldness in a specific domain.

O medroso espectador, incapaz de suportar a tensão, abandonou a sala de cinema.

The fearful spectator, unable to bear the tension, left the cinema.

Sophisticated description of a reaction.

Não é a ausência de medo, mas a forma como se lida com o medroso impulso que define o caráter.

It is not the absence of fear, but how one deals with the fearful impulse that defines character.

Philosophical statement about character and fear.

O seu silêncio, por vezes, parecia mais medroso do que consentidor.

His silence sometimes seemed more fearful than consenting.

Interpreting behavior (silence) as fearful.

A dialética do medo: o medroso anseia por segurança, mas a busca incessante por ela pode gerar novas apreensões.

The dialectic of fear: the fearful person yearns for security, but the incessant pursuit of it can generate new apprehensions.

Complex philosophical concept using medroso in an abstract noun context.

O seu estoicismo era, em parte, uma fachada para mascarar um temperamento profundamente medroso.

His stoicism was, in part, a facade to mask a deeply fearful temperament.

Nuanced psychological analysis using medroso to describe temperament.

A obra de arte evoca uma sensação medrosa e inquietante, convidando à introspeção.

The artwork evokes a fearful and unsettling sensation, inviting introspection.

Describing the emotional impact of art.

Os medrosos que se agarram ao status quo ignoram o potencial transformador da inovação.

Those who are fearful and cling to the status quo ignore the transformative potential of innovation.

Sociopolitical commentary using medrosos as a noun.

A sua escrita, embora tecnicamente impecável, por vezes carece de uma ousadia genuína, soando um pouco medrosa.

His writing, though technically impeccable, sometimes lacks genuine boldness, sounding a bit fearful.

Critique of artistic expression, using medrosa to describe style.

O medroso silêncio que se seguiu à pergunta era mais eloquente do que qualquer resposta.

The fearful silence that followed the question was more eloquent than any answer.

Figurative use of medroso to describe silence.

A narrativa constrói um suspense quase palpável, explorando o lado medroso da condição humana.

The narrative builds an almost palpable suspense, exploring the fearful side of the human condition.

Literary analysis of suspense and human nature.

Enfrentar o medroso desconhecido requer uma dose considerável de coragem e autoconfiança.

Facing the fearful unknown requires a considerable dose of courage and self-confidence.

Using medroso to describe an abstract concept ('unknown').

Colocaciones comunes

cão medroso

menino medroso

pessoa medrosa

espírito medroso

olhar medroso

reacção medrosa

natureza medrosa

tom medroso

atitude medrosa

coração medroso

Frases Comunes

Não seja medroso!

— This is an encouragement to be brave and not let fear control you. It's a direct command to overcome timidity.

Apenas vá em frente, não seja medroso!

Ele é muito medroso.

— This is a simple statement describing someone's personality trait of being easily frightened or timid.

Ele é muito medroso, tem medo de tudo.

Uma pessoa medrosa.

— This phrase refers to an individual who characteristically exhibits fear or timidity.

Ela é conhecida por ser uma pessoa medrosa.

Um animal medroso.

— This describes an animal that is easily startled, shy, or apprehensive.

Adotamos um animal medroso que precisa de tempo para se adaptar.

Medroso de altura.

— This specifically indicates a fear of heights.

Por ser medroso de altura, ele não gosta de ir a lugares altos.

Medroso do escuro.

— This describes someone who is afraid of the dark.

O meu filho ainda é medroso do escuro.

Ficar medroso.

— This implies becoming fearful or scared, often in response to a situation.

Ele ficou medroso quando ouviu o barulho estranho.

Um pouco medroso.

— This is a milder way of saying someone is fearful, suggesting it's not an extreme trait.

Eu sou um pouco medroso, confesso.

Ter um lado medroso.

— This suggests that someone has a fearful aspect to their personality, even if they don't always show it.

Apesar de parecer forte, ele tem um lado medroso.

Comportamento medroso.

— This refers to actions or reactions that are characterized by fear or timidity.

O seu comportamento medroso na reunião chamou a atenção.

Se confunde a menudo con

medroso vs medo

Medo is the noun meaning 'fear', while medroso is the adjective meaning 'fearful'.

medroso vs amedrontar

Amedrontar is a verb meaning 'to frighten' or 'to intimidate', whereas medroso describes someone who *is* frightened.

medroso vs tímido

Tímido means shy, often related to social situations, while medroso is specifically about fear.

Modismos y expresiones

"Ter o coração nas mãos"

— This idiom means to be very compassionate, kind, and generous, often to the point of being easily taken advantage of. While not directly related to 'medroso', it describes a 'softness' that can sometimes be perceived as vulnerability, though it's positive.

Ela tem o coração nas mãos e sempre ajuda quem precisa.

"Morrer de medo"

— Literally 'to die of fear', this idiom means to be extremely scared. It's a more intense expression than simply being 'medroso'.

Eu morri de medo quando vi a aranha!

"Ficar de cabelo em pé"

— This idiom means to be extremely shocked, frightened, or horrified. It describes a strong, visible reaction to fear or surprise.

A notícia o deixou de cabelo em pé.

"Dar um frio na barriga"

— This describes the physical sensation of nervousness or fear, often before an important event or when facing something daunting. It's a common feeling for someone who is medroso.

A apresentação me deu um frio na barriga.

"Pôr a mão no fogo"

— This idiom means to trust someone or something completely, to vouch for them. It's the opposite of being fearful or suspicious.

Eu ponho a mão no fogo por ele, ele é uma pessoa honesta.

"Ter sangue de barata"

— This idiom describes someone who is very resilient and recovers quickly from difficulties or illnesses. It implies a strength that is the opposite of being medroso.

Ele tem sangue de barata, sempre se recupera rápido.

"Dar um salto do gato"

— This idiom means to be startled or to jump suddenly out of fear or surprise.

O barulho repentino me deu um salto do gato.

"Cuspir para o ar e cair na testa"

— This idiom means that one's negative intentions or actions will ultimately backfire on them. It's about the consequences of negative behavior, not directly about fear.

Ele tentou prejudicar os outros, mas acabou que foi cuspir para o ar e cair na testa.

"Ter medo de fantasmas"

— Literally 'to be afraid of ghosts', this can be used literally or figuratively to describe someone who is easily scared by irrational or imaginary things.

Ele tem medo de fantasmas, mesmo sabendo que não existem.

"Fazer cara de paisagem"

— This means to feign ignorance or indifference, to pretend not to know or care about something. It's a way to avoid reacting, not necessarily due to fear.

Quando perguntaram sobre o erro, ele fez cara de paisagem.

Fácil de confundir

medroso vs tímido

Both words describe someone who might avoid things or appear reserved.

While a medroso person is often tímido, tímido focuses more on social awkwardness and lack of confidence, whereas medroso specifically relates to experiencing or showing fear.

Ele é tímido para falar com estranhos, mas não é medroso em situações perigosas.

medroso vs assustado

Both describe a state of being scared.

Medroso often describes a general disposition or personality trait of being easily frightened. Assustado typically refers to a temporary state of being scared due to a specific event or stimulus.

O meu cão é medroso, mas hoje ele ficou assustado com o trovão.

medroso vs covarde

Both relate to a lack of bravery.

Medroso is a neutral or mild description of being fearful. Covarde is a strong, negative term implying a shameful lack of courage, often in the face of duty or danger.

Ele é medroso com alturas, mas não seria covarde se precisasse ajudar alguém.

medroso vs receoso

Both imply a degree of fear or apprehension.

Medroso is a general fearfulness. Receoso often implies apprehension about a specific future event or outcome, a worry about what might happen.

Estou receoso do resultado, pois o projeto foi desafiador, mas não sou medroso em geral.

medroso vs temeroso

Both mean fearful.

Medroso is the more common, everyday term. Temeroso is a more formal or literary synonym, often used in contexts discussing religious awe or profound apprehension.

O povo era temeroso diante do poder do rei, enquanto o cão era apenas medroso de trovões.

Patrones de oraciones

Subject + ser + medroso/medrosa.

O cão é medroso.

Noun + medroso/medrosa.

Menino medroso.

Subject + ficar + medroso/medrosa.

Eu fiquei medroso.

Ter + um/uma + medroso/medrosa + Noun.

Tenho um amigo medroso.

Por ser + medroso/medrosa/medrosos/medrosas, ...

Por ser medroso, ele não foi.

Apesar de ser + medroso/medrosa/medrosos/medrosas, ...

Apesar de ser medrosa, ela tentou.

Excessivamente + medroso/medrosa/medrosos/medrosas

Ele é excessivamente medroso.

O/A/Os/As + medroso/medrosa/medrosos/medrosas + (Noun)

O medroso não quis arriscar.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

medo

Verbos

amedrontar

Adjetivos

medroso

medrosa

medrosos

medrosas

Relacionado

temeroso

assustado

tímido

covarde

receoso

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common

Errores comunes

Ignoring adjective agreement. → O menino medroso. A menina medrosa.
Learners often forget to change the adjective ending to match the gender and number of the noun. This is a fundamental rule in Portuguese grammar.
Using 'medroso' when 'covarde' is more appropriate. → Ele foi covarde e abandonou o grupo.
Medroso means fearful but is generally mild. Covarde (cowardly) is a stronger, negative judgment implying a shameful lack of courage.
Confusing 'medroso' (adjective) with 'medo' (noun). → Eu tenho medo. Ele é medroso.
'Medo' is the feeling of fear, while 'medroso' describes someone who experiences or shows that fear. They are related but function differently in a sentence.
Using 'medroso' for a temporary state of fear. → Ele está assustado com o filme.
While someone who is medroso might get assustado, medroso usually implies a trait, whereas assustado describes a reaction to a specific event.
Incorrect placement of the adjective. → O cão medroso latiu.
In Portuguese, descriptive adjectives like medroso typically follow the noun they modify. While pre-nominal placement can occur for emphasis, post-nominal is standard for basic description.

Consejos

Adjective Agreement is Key!

Always remember that adjectives in Portuguese must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe. For medroso, this means changing the ending: medroso (masculine singular), medrosa (feminine singular), medrosos (masculine plural), and medrosas (feminine plural). Practice this rule consistently.

Context is Your Friend

Pay attention to how native speakers use medroso. Listen to conversations, watch movies, and read books. The context will help you understand the subtle differences between medroso and similar words like 'tímido' or 'assustado'.

Master the Rolled 'R'

The pronunciation of medroso features a rolled 'r' in the 'dro' syllable. Practice this sound to sound more natural. Listen to native speakers and try to imitate them. Don't forget to stress the second syllable: me-DRO-so.

Nuance Matters: Medroso vs. Covarde

While medroso means fearful, it's generally a mild and descriptive term. Covarde (cowardly) is much stronger and more judgmental. Use medroso for general timidity or fear, and reserve covarde for situations where you intend strong criticism.

Active Recall is Effective

Don't just read about medroso; use it! Try writing sentences, describing people or animals you know, or even talking to yourself in Portuguese. The more you actively use the word, the better you'll remember it.

Build Your Fear Vocabulary

Learn medroso alongside its synonyms and antonyms like corajoso, tímido, and assustado. This helps you understand the nuances and choose the most appropriate word for each situation.

Use 'Ser' for Traits

When describing a person's inherent characteristic of being fearful, use the verb 'ser'. For example, 'Ele é medroso' (He is fearful - it's part of his nature). Use 'estar' for temporary states, like 'Ele está assustado' (He is scared - right now).

Figurative and Literal Uses

While medroso is often used literally for people and animals, it can also be used figuratively for things that evoke fear, like 'um filme medroso' (a scary movie). Recognize these different applications.

Create Associations

Use mnemonics or visual associations to remember the word. For example, imagine a 'me' (pronoun) feeling 'droopy' and scared, making it medroso. Or picture a mouse ('medo' sounds like mouse) being very medroso.

Cultural Value of Bravery

Understand that in many cultures, bravery is praised. While medroso isn't inherently negative, being overly fearful might be seen as a drawback. Learning this context helps you understand why certain words are used in specific situations.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a 'me' (like the pronoun) feeling 'droopy' and scared, like a sad, droopy dog. This 'me droopy' feeling makes you medroso.

Asociación visual

Picture a small, trembling mouse ('medo' sounds a bit like 'mouse') with wide, scared eyes, looking very medroso.

Word Web

{"topic":"Fear","related":["medo","assustado","apavorado"]} {"topic":"Personality","related":["t\u00edmido","corajoso","covarde"]} {"topic":"Animals","related":["c\u00e3o medroso","gato medroso"]} {"topic":"Situations","related":["medroso do escuro","medroso de altura"]} {"topic":"Actions","related":["hesitar","fugir","enfrentar"]} {"topic":"Feelings","related":["ansiedade","apreens\u00e3o","nervosismo"]} {"topic":"Grammar","related":["medrosa","medrosos","medrosas"]} {"topic":"Synonyms","related":["temeroso","receoso","amedrontado"]}

Desafío

Try to describe five different characters (real or fictional) using the word medroso, making sure to use the correct gender and number agreement. For example, 'O vilão medroso', 'A vilã medrosa', 'Os vilões medrosos'.

Origen de la palabra

The word 'medroso' comes from the Portuguese word 'medo', which means 'fear'. This, in turn, derives from the Latin word 'metus', also meaning fear. The suffix '-oso' is used to form adjectives, indicating 'full of' or 'characterized by'.

Significado original: Full of fear.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Portuguese

Contexto cultural

While medroso is generally descriptive, calling someone medroso can sometimes be perceived as mildly critical, especially if the person is an adult and the context implies a lack of necessary bravery. However, it's far less harsh than calling someone 'covarde' (cowardly).

In English, 'fearful', 'timid', and 'scared' are close equivalents. 'Cowardly' is a much stronger and more negative term. The Portuguese medroso sits somewhere between 'fearful' and 'timid', generally less judgmental than 'cowardly'.

In the Wizard of Oz, the Cowardly Lion (Leão Covarde) embodies the opposite of being medroso, showing a journey from fear to bravery. Many children's stories feature characters who are initially medrosos and learn to be brave, such as Chicken Little (Galinha Pintadinha in some adaptations) who panics easily. In Portuguese literature and folklore, characters who are medrosos often serve as foils to brave heroes, highlighting the importance of courage.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Describing children and their fears.

O meu filho é medroso.
Ele tem medo do escuro.
Não seja medroso!

Talking about pets and animals.

O cão é medroso.
Um animal medroso.
O gato medroso se escondeu.

Discussing personal feelings or phobias.

Sou medroso de altura.
Tenho um medo medroso de...
Fiquei medroso com o barulho.

Characterizing people in stories or general observation.

Ele é uma pessoa medrosa.
Um personagem medroso.
A sua atitude medrosa.

Describing potentially frightening situations or things.

Um filme medroso.
Um caminho medroso.
Uma situação medrosa.

Inicios de conversación

"Você se considera uma pessoa medrosa ou corajosa?"

"Qual foi a coisa mais medrosa que você já viu?"

"Seu animal de estimação é medroso? De quê?"

"Você acha que é importante superar o medo, mesmo quando se é medroso?"

"Conte uma situação em que você ou alguém que você conhece agiu de forma medrosa."

Temas para diario

Escreva sobre um momento em que você se sentiu medroso e como lidou com isso.

Descreva um personagem fictício que seja medroso e explique por quê.

Liste cinco coisas que te deixam medroso e pense em como você pode enfrentar um desses medos.

Reflita sobre a diferença entre ser medroso e ser cauteloso. Em que situações você prefere ser um ou outro?

Se você pudesse dar um conselho para alguém que é muito medroso, qual seria?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

The main difference is their grammatical function. Medo is a noun, meaning 'fear'. For example, 'Eu tenho medo de altura' (I have a fear of heights). Medroso is an adjective, meaning 'fearful' or 'scared'. It describes someone or something that possesses that fear. For example, 'Ele é medroso' (He is fearful).

This depends on the gender of the noun the adjective is describing. If you are talking about a masculine noun (e.g., 'o menino' - the boy, 'o cão' - the dog), you use medroso. If you are talking about a feminine noun (e.g., 'a menina' - the girl, 'a gata' - the female cat), you use medrosa. For plurals, it's medrosos (masculine) and medrosas (feminine).

Generally, medroso is not a very strong word. It describes someone who is easily frightened or timid. It's less intense than 'apavorado' (terrified) or 'aterrorizado' (horrified). It's also much milder and less judgmental than 'covarde' (cowardly).

Yes, medroso can be used figuratively to describe things that might seem intimidating or frightening. For example, 'um caminho medroso' (a frightening path) or 'um filme medroso' (a scary movie). In these cases, it describes the quality of inducing fear.

While they can sometimes overlap, medroso specifically refers to being fearful or easily scared. Tímido refers to being shy, often in social situations, and implies a lack of confidence rather than a direct fear of danger.

The pronunciation is meh-DROH-soh, with the stress on the second syllable ('DRO'). The 'r' is typically rolled. Listen to audio examples for accurate pronunciation.

While medroso is often descriptive, calling an adult medroso can sometimes imply a mild criticism about a lack of bravery, depending on the context. However, it's generally considered less harsh than calling someone 'covarde'.

Yes. For a group of males or a mixed group, you would use medrosos (e.g., 'os meninos medrosos'). For a group of females, you use medrosas (e.g., 'as meninas medrosas').

The most direct antonyms are corajoso (brave), valente (valiant), or destemido (fearless).

Medroso can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in everyday, neutral, or informal speech. In very formal or academic writing, you might encounter synonyms like 'temeroso' or more descriptive phrases.

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