desleixadamente
desleixadamente en 30 secondes
- Desleixadamente describes doing something in a careless, messy, or negligent way, often implying a lack of effort or respect for the task.
- It is a long adverb ending in '-mente', which corresponds to the English suffix '-ly', making it 'sloppily' or 'carelessly'.
- The word is commonly used to criticize work quality, personal appearance, or the general upkeep of physical spaces like rooms or gardens.
- Culturally, it carries a negative weight in Portuguese-speaking societies where 'capricho' (taking pride in one's work) is highly valued as a virtue.
The Portuguese adverb desleixadamente is a multifaceted term that describes actions performed with a lack of care, attention to detail, or neatness. At its core, it translates to 'carelessly,' 'untidily,' or 'sloppily.' However, its usage goes beyond simple physical messiness; it often carries a moral or professional judgment, suggesting a disregard for standards or expectations. When someone does something desleixadamente, they are not just being fast; they are being negligent in a way that is visible to others.
- Physical Appearance
- Used to describe how someone dresses or grooms themselves when they appear disheveled or unkempt.
- Professional Conduct
- Describes a worker who completes tasks with errors or ignores protocols, indicating a lack of dedication.
- Artistic and Creative Output
- Can refer to a style that intentionally looks messy, though usually, it implies a lack of technical precision.
Ele vestiu-se desleixadamente para a entrevista de emprego e não conseguiu o cargo.
In a social context, using this word can be quite critical. If you tell someone they are working desleixadamente, you are questioning their competence and their respect for the task at hand. It is derived from the adjective 'desleixado,' which comes from the verb 'desleixar' (to neglect). The suffix '-mente' functions exactly like the English '-ly', transforming the adjective into an adverb of manner. Understanding this word requires recognizing the cultural value placed on 'capricho' (doing things with care and pride), which is the direct opposite of desleixo.
A mesa estava posta desleixadamente, com talheres tortos e guardanapos amarrotados.
Commonly, you will find this word in literature to describe a character's state of mind. A character who acts desleixadamente might be suffering from depression, apathy, or extreme fatigue. It captures a specific type of 'letting oneself go.' In legal or formal documents, it might describe 'negligent' behavior, though 'negligentemente' is more common for strictly legal terms. Desleixadamente remains more grounded in everyday observation of messiness and lack of polish.
O relatório foi escrito tão desleixadamente que continha erros em todas as páginas.
Furthermore, the word can describe physical posture. Sitting desleixadamente implies slouching or lounging in a way that might be considered disrespectful in a formal setting. It suggests a lack of 'postura' (posture/composure). In summary, it is a powerful adverb for describing anything from a messy room to a poorly executed project, always highlighting the human element of neglect.
Ela atirou as roupas para o armário desleixadamente.
O jardim foi tratado desleixadamente durante todo o inverno.
Using desleixadamente correctly requires an understanding of Portuguese sentence structure, specifically the placement of adverbs. In most cases, the adverb follows the verb it modifies. This provides immediate context for the action being described. For example, in the sentence 'Ele trabalha desleixadamente,' the adverb tells us the manner in which he works. If you place it at the beginning of the sentence, it adds a layer of emphasis or sets the tone for the entire clause.
- Standard Placement
- Verb + Adverb: 'A criança pintou o desenho desleixadamente.'
- Emphatic Placement
- Sentence Start: 'Desleixadamente, ele deixou os documentos espalhados pelo chão.'
O motorista conduzia desleixadamente, ignorando as regras de trânsito.
One important nuance is the distinction between desleixadamente and its adjective counterpart desleixado. While the adverb modifies the action, the adjective modifies the person or object. Compare: 'Ele é um trabalhador desleixado' (He is a sloppy worker) vs. 'Ele trabalha desleixadamente' (He works sloppily). The adverbial form is often preferred when the focus is on a specific instance of poor performance rather than a permanent character trait.
As tarefas foram cumpridas desleixadamente pela equipa da noite.
In complex sentences involving auxiliary verbs, the adverb can sometimes be placed between the auxiliary and the main verb for rhythmic effect, though placing it after the main verb remains the most common and safest bet for learners. For instance: 'Ele tem agido desleixadamente' (He has been acting sloppily). Here, the adverb provides a continuous sense of the manner of action.
- Comparative Use
- 'Ele escreve mais desleixadamente do que o irmão.' (He writes more sloppily than his brother.)
Não faças as coisas desleixadamente se queres um bom resultado.
When using this word in the negative, it often implies a command or a piece of advice. 'Não fales desleixadamente' might suggest speaking without proper articulation or without thinking through what is being said. The versatility of the word allows it to cover physical, intellectual, and verbal negligence.
A casa foi construída desleixadamente, com materiais de baixa qualidade.
O artista aplicou a tinta desleixadamente sobre a tela.
While desleixadamente is a long word, it is surprisingly common in spoken Portuguese, particularly in European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese when discussing work ethic or domestic habits. You will hear it in household settings where a parent might scold a child for doing homework too quickly and with many mistakes. It is also a staple in office environments when discussing the quality of a colleague's output or a failed project.
- In the News
- Journalists use it to describe government projects that were poorly planned or executed, implying a waste of public funds.
- In Literature
- Authors use it to paint a picture of a character's decline or a setting that has been abandoned and left to rot.
'O projeto foi gerido desleixadamente desde o início,' afirmou o inspetor.
In Brazil, you might hear the synonym 'relaxadamente' used in a similar context, but 'relaxadamente' can also mean 'in a relaxed manner' (positive), whereas desleixadamente is almost always negative. If someone says 'Ele faz as coisas de qualquer jeito,' they are expressing the same sentiment as desleixadamente but in a more colloquial, idiomatic way. Hearing desleixadamente usually signals a more serious, articulated criticism.
Ela penteou o cabelo desleixadamente antes de sair a correr.
In television dramas or soap operas (telenovelas), this word frequently appears during arguments about responsibility. A character might be accused of 'viver desleixadamente' (living sloppily), meaning they have no direction or care for their social standing. It’s a word that bridges the gap between everyday annoyance and formal condemnation.
- Sports Commentary
- Commentators use it when a player makes a lazy pass or fails to defend properly: 'Ele defendeu desleixadamente e a equipa sofreu o golo.'
A manutenção do edifício foi feita desleixadamente por anos.
Finally, in the world of fashion and blogging, you might see it used to describe a 'grunge' or 'boho-chic' look that is 'estudadamente desleixado' (studiedly sloppy). This is a rare positive or neutral usage where the 'messiness' is a deliberate aesthetic choice, though even then, the word itself retains its core meaning of 'untidy.'
Ele deixou a porta aberta desleixadamente ao sair de casa.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using desleixadamente is confusing it with 'relaxadamente.' While 'relaxed' and 'sloppy' can sometimes overlap in English (e.g., a 'relaxed' dress code), in Portuguese, 'relaxadamente' usually implies a positive state of being calm or at ease. Using 'relaxadamente' when you mean 'carelessly' will result in a misunderstanding where you seem to be praising someone's calmness rather than criticizing their messiness.
- Mistake: Confusing Adverb with Adjective
- Incorrect: 'Ele trabalha desleixado.' (While grammatically possible as a predicative, 'desleixadamente' is the correct adverbial form for the manner of work.)
- Mistake: Spelling Errors
- Commonly misspelled as 'desleichadamente' or 'desleixadomente'. Remember the 'x' sounds like 'sh' and the link is always '-a-mente'.
Errado: Ele limpou a cozinha relaxadamente. (Unless he was very calm while cleaning, but usually people mean sloppily.)
Another error is the over-reliance on this long word when a simpler expression would suffice. In casual conversation, native speakers often say 'de qualquer maneira' or 'à pressa' (in a hurry/carelessly). Using desleixadamente in a very casual setting with friends might sound slightly too formal or overly dramatic, unless you are intentionally being emphatic.
Correto: Ele limpou a cozinha desleixadamente.
Learners also struggle with the pronunciation of the 'x'. In desleixadamente, the 'x' follows the 'ei' diphthong, which in Portuguese almost always results in a 'sh' sound (like in 'shoe'). Some learners mistakenly pronounce it like a 'ks' (as in 'taxi') or a 'z' (as in 'exame'). Master the 'sh' sound to sound like a native.
- Mistake: False Friends
- Don't confuse it with 'discreetly' (discretamente) just because of the 'd' and 's' sounds. They are opposites in terms of attention to detail.
Não escrevas a tua redação desleixadamente.
Finally, ensure you don't use it to mean 'lazily' (preguiçosamente) in all contexts. While a lazy person might work desleixadamente, the words are not identical. One refers to the lack of energy (laziness), while the other refers specifically to the lack of care in the result (sloppiness). You can be very energetic but still work desleixadamente because you are rushing.
O jardim foi abandonado e cresceu desleixadamente.
Portuguese offers several alternatives to desleixadamente, each with a slightly different flavor. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific type of 'carelessness' you wish to convey. Understanding these nuances will greatly enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise expression.
- Negligentemente
- The most formal alternative. Often used in legal, medical, or official contexts. It implies a failure to meet a required standard of duty.
- Descuidadamente
- Focuses on the lack of attention (cuidado). It is slightly softer than 'desleixadamente' and can sometimes imply an accidental mistake rather than a character flaw.
- Relaxadamente (Brazil)
- In Brazil, 'relaxo' is a very common term for sloppiness. However, be careful as 'relaxadamente' can also mean 'in a relaxed way.'
'Ele agiu negligentemente ao volante,' disse o polícia.
For more colloquial settings, you might use phrases like 'à balda' (very common in Portugal to mean 'without rules' or 'sloppily') or 'de qualquer maneira' (any which way). These are less 'heavy' than desleixadamente and are used frequently in daily life.
Ela arrumou o quarto à balda porque queria sair logo.
If you are talking about someone's appearance, you could use 'maltrapilho' (raggedy) or 'desarrumado' (untidy/messy). While these are adjectives, they often appear in contexts where desleixadamente would describe the action of getting dressed or grooming.
- Apressadamente
- Means 'hurriedly.' Often, doing something 'apressadamente' leads to doing it 'desleixadamente,' but they are distinct concepts.
O texto foi revisto descuidadamente, escapando muitos erros.
In summary, desleixadamente is your go-to word for a strong, descriptive critique of a lack of care. Use its synonyms to modulate the intensity of your statement or to fit the social context better.
A pintura foi feita de qualquer maneira, sem atenção aos detalhes.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The root 'laxus' is also the ancestor of the English words 'lax', 'relax', and 'lease'. So, 'desleixadamente' is etymologically related to being 'lax' with your duties.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'x' as 'ks' like in English 'taxi'.
- Missing the 'i' in the 'lei' diphthong.
- Stress on the wrong syllable (it should always be 'MEN-te').
- Pronouncing the final 'e' too strongly like 'ay'.
- Confusing the nasal 'en' with a plain 'en' sound.
Niveau de difficulté
The word is long but follows standard adverbial patterns. recognizable once you know the root.
Spelling the 'ei' and 'x' correctly can be tricky for beginners.
Requires good control of the 'sh' sound and rhythm of long adverbs.
The nasal 'men' and final 'te' are usually clear in most dialects.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Adverb Formation with -mente
Take the feminine form of the adjective (desleixada) and add -mente = desleixadamente.
Adverb Placement
Usually follows the verb: 'Ele fala desleixadamente'.
Invariability of Adverbs
Does not change for gender/number: 'Eles trabalham desleixadamente'.
Comparison of Adverbs
Use 'mais... do que': 'Ele escreve mais desleixadamente do que eu'.
Negation of Manner
Use 'não' before the verb: 'Não ajas desleixadamente'.
Exemples par niveau
Ele escreve desleixadamente.
He writes sloppily.
Simple Subject + Verb + Adverb structure.
Não comas desleixadamente.
Don't eat messily.
Negative imperative form.
Ela caminha desleixadamente.
She walks sloppily/lazily.
Adverb modifying the verb 'caminha'.
Tu pintas desleixadamente.
You paint sloppily.
Second person singular present tense.
O gato dorme desleixadamente.
The cat sleeps messily/awkwardly.
Using the adverb to describe a physical state.
Nós limpamos desleixadamente.
We clean sloppily.
First person plural present tense.
Eles falam desleixadamente.
They speak sloppily/mumble.
Third person plural present tense.
A mesa está posta desleixadamente.
The table is set sloppily.
Passive construction with 'está' + past participle.
Ele vestiu-se desleixadamente para a festa.
He dressed sloppily for the party.
Reflexive verb 'vestir-se' in the past tense.
Fizeste o trabalho de casa desleixadamente.
You did your homework sloppily.
Preterite tense of the verb 'fazer'.
Arruma o teu quarto, não o faças desleixadamente.
Tidy your room, don't do it sloppily.
Imperative followed by a negative command.
Ela deixou as chaves desleixadamente em cima do sofá.
She left the keys carelessly on top of the sofa.
Adverb modifying the verb 'deixou'.
O jardim está a crescer desleixadamente.
The garden is growing untidily.
Present continuous construction 'está a crescer'.
Eles tratam os livros desleixadamente.
They treat the books carelessly.
Direct object 'os livros' followed by the adverb.
Cozinhaste o jantar desleixadamente e a comida queimou.
You cooked dinner sloppily and the food burnt.
Two clauses connected by 'e'.
O cão foi escovado desleixadamente.
The dog was brushed sloppily.
Passive voice 'foi escovado'.
O funcionário organizou os arquivos desleixadamente.
The employee organized the files sloppily.
Professional context usage.
Se continuares a trabalhar desleixadamente, serás despedido.
If you continue to work sloppily, you will be fired.
Conditional 'se' clause with future tense.
Ela respondeu ao e-mail desleixadamente, sem rever o texto.
She replied to the email sloppily, without reviewing the text.
Gerund phrase 'sem rever' providing extra detail.
O projeto foi apresentado desleixadamente perante a turma.
The project was presented sloppily before the class.
Passive voice in a formal setting.
Ele conduz desleixadamente e já teve vários acidentes.
He drives carelessly and has already had several accidents.
Linking a habit to a consequence.
A manutenção da ponte tem sido feita desleixadamente.
The maintenance of the bridge has been done sloppily.
Compound past tense 'tem sido feita'.
Não devias tratar as tuas ferramentas tão desleixadamente.
You shouldn't treat your tools so sloppily.
Modal verb 'devias' expressing advice.
Eles vivem desleixadamente, sem preocupações com o futuro.
They live sloppily, without worries about the future.
Describing a lifestyle.
A tese foi estruturada desleixadamente, o que prejudicou a nota final.
The thesis was structured sloppily, which harmed the final grade.
Relative clause 'o que' referring back to the action.
O governo geriu a crise desleixadamente, ignorando os avisos dos especialistas.
The government managed the crisis sloppily, ignoring the experts' warnings.
Political/Critical context.
Desleixadamente, o guarda deixou a porta do cofre entreaberta.
Sloppily/Carelessly, the guard left the vault door ajar.
Adverb at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis.
A tradução foi feita tão desleixadamente que o sentido original se perdeu.
The translation was done so sloppily that the original meaning was lost.
Consecutive clause 'tão... que'.
Ele gasta o seu dinheiro desleixadamente, sem qualquer plano financeiro.
He spends his money sloppily/recklessly, without any financial plan.
Adverb modifying financial behavior.
A obra de arte parece ter sido executada desleixadamente de propósito.
The artwork seems to have been executed sloppily on purpose.
Infinitive construction 'parece ter sido'.
Ela cortou o tecido desleixadamente e estragou o vestido.
She cut the fabric sloppily and ruined the dress.
Cause and effect relationship.
Os dados foram inseridos desleixadamente na base de dados.
The data was entered sloppily into the database.
Technical context.
A política externa foi conduzida desleixadamente, resultando em tensões diplomáticas.
The foreign policy was conducted sloppily, resulting in diplomatic tensions.
High-level political discourse.
O autor descreve uma personagem que se move desleixadamente pela vida.
The author describes a character who moves sloppily/aimlessly through life.
Literary analysis context.
A investigação policial foi levada a cabo desleixadamente, permitindo a fuga do suspeito.
The police investigation was carried out sloppily, allowing the suspect to escape.
Complex phrasal verb 'levar a cabo'.
Embora fosse talentoso, ele compunha desleixadamente, nunca terminando as suas obras.
Although he was talented, he composed sloppily, never finishing his works.
Concessive clause starting with 'Embora'.
A herança foi dividida desleixadamente, provocando anos de litígios familiares.
The inheritance was divided sloppily, causing years of family litigation.
Legal/Financial consequence.
O crítico afirmou que o realizador filmou a sequência final desleixadamente.
The critic stated that the director filmed the final sequence sloppily.
Reporting speech with 'afirmou que'.
Ela tratou a ferida desleixadamente e a infeção piorou.
She treated the wound sloppily/carelessly and the infection worsened.
Medical context.
A preservação do património histórico tem sido tratada desleixadamente pelas autoridades.
The preservation of historical heritage has been treated sloppily by the authorities.
Passive voice with compound tense.
A tessitura do argumento desvaneceu-se porque o autor o desenvolveu desleixadamente.
The texture of the argument faded because the author developed it sloppily.
Highly abstract literary language.
A negligência não era apenas um erro, mas uma forma de existir desleixadamente.
The negligence was not just a mistake, but a way of existing sloppily.
Philosophical/Existential usage.
O protocolo diplomático foi ignorado desleixadamente, o que foi interpretado como um insulto.
The diplomatic protocol was sloppily ignored, which was interpreted as an insult.
Nuanced social interpretation.
A restauração da pintura quinhentista foi feita desleixadamente, obliterando detalhes cruciais.
The restoration of the 16th-century painting was done sloppily, obliterating crucial details.
Technical artistic vocabulary.
Ele articulava as suas ideias desleixadamente, perdendo-se em digressões inúteis.
He articulated his ideas sloppily, getting lost in useless digressions.
Describing intellectual lack of focus.
O sistema jurídico, ao operar desleixadamente, mina a confiança dos cidadãos.
The legal system, by operating sloppily, undermines the trust of the citizens.
Gerund clause 'ao operar' expressing cause.
A natureza retoma o que é seu quando o homem cuida do solo desleixadamente.
Nature takes back what is hers when man cares for the soil sloppily.
Poetic/Metaphorical usage.
O manuscrito foi transcrito desleixadamente, resultando numa edição eivada de erros.
The manuscript was transcribed sloppily, resulting in an edition riddled with errors.
Academic/Philological context.
Synonymes
Antonymes
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— To do things in a sloppy manner. Often used as a general criticism of someone's work ethic.
Se fizeres as coisas desleixadamente, terás de as repetir.
— To walk in a slouched or untidy way, or to go through life without purpose.
Ele anda desleixadamente pela rua.
— To give a thoughtless or poorly phrased answer.
Ela respondeu desleixadamente à pergunta do professor.
— To neglect one's health or medical treatments.
Não podes tratar a tua saúde tão desleixadamente.
— To prepare something (like a meal or a meeting) without care.
A reunião foi preparada desleixadamente.
— To tidy up in a way that doesn't really fix the mess.
Ele arrumou os brinquedos desleixadamente.
— To present oneself (appearance-wise) in a messy way.
É importante não se apresentar desleixadamente em público.
— To finish a task poorly at the very end.
O relatório estava bom, mas foi concluído desleixadamente.
— To look at something without really paying attention.
Ele olhou desleixadamente para as notícias.
— To serve (food or a customer) in a sloppy manner.
O empregado serviu o café desleixadamente.
Souvent confondu avec
Relaxadamente usually means 'calmly' or 'in a relaxed way', while desleixadamente means 'sloppily'.
Negligentemente is more formal and often used in legal contexts, while desleixadamente is more general.
Apressadamente means 'hurriedly'. While rushing often leads to sloppiness, they are not synonyms.
Expressions idiomatiques
— In any way/sloppily. A common idiomatic equivalent to acting desleixadamente.
Ele fez o trabalho de qualquer maneira.
informal— Without rules, carelessly, or sloppily. Very common in Portugal.
Eles vivem à balda.
slang/informal— To do something poorly or in a rush (Brazilian idiom).
Ele fez o relatório nas coxas.
informal/slang— To do something at the last minute and therefore sloppily.
O plano foi feito em cima do joelho.
informal— Upside down/in total chaos. Often the result of acting desleixadamente.
A casa está de pernas para o ar.
informal— To give up or stop caring (can lead to acting desleixadamente).
Ele chutou o balde e começou a trabalhar desleixadamente.
informal— To wash one's hands of a situation (neglecting it).
Ele lavou as mãos e deixou tudo correr desleixadamente.
neutral— To turn a blind eye (allowing things to happen desleixadamente).
O chefe fez vista grossa ao trabalho feito desleixadamente.
neutral— To let things go as they are (often implying neglect).
Ele deixou andar o jardim desleixadamente.
informalFacile à confondre
Both relate to messiness.
Desarrumado is an adjective (messy room), desleixadamente is an adverb (the action of making it messy).
O quarto está desarrumado porque ele o arrumou desleixadamente.
Laziness and sloppiness often go together.
Preguiçosamente refers to the lack of energy; desleixadamente refers to the lack of care in the result.
Ele levantou-se preguiçosamente e vestiu-se desleixadamente.
Similar prefix 'd-s' sound.
Discretamente means 'discreetly' or 'quietly', the opposite of being messy and noticeable.
Ele saiu discretamente da sala.
Distraction can cause sloppiness.
Distraidamente means 'distractedly'; the focus is on the mental state, not the quality of the work.
Ele olhava distraidamente para a janela.
Slow actions can be seen as lazy.
Vagarosamente means 'slowly'. You can do something slowly but very carefully (meticulously).
A tartaruga move-se vagarosamente.
Structures de phrases
[Sujeito] [Verbo] desleixadamente.
O menino corre desleixadamente.
[Sujeito] [Verbo no passado] desleixadamente.
Ela limpou a sala desleixadamente.
[Sujeito] não deve [Verbo] desleixadamente.
Você não deve trabalhar desleixadamente.
Desleixadamente, [Oração Principal].
Desleixadamente, ele esqueceu a porta aberta.
[Substantivo] foi [Particípio] desleixadamente por [Agente].
O relatório foi escrito desleixadamente pelo estagiário.
Tão desleixadamente que [Consequência].
Ele pintou tão desleixadamente que a tinta escorreu.
A despeito do talento, agia desleixadamente.
A despeito do talento, compunha desleixadamente.
[Verbo] de forma [Adjetivo] e desleixadamente.
Ele conduzia de forma errática e desleixadamente.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Common in daily speech and literature.
-
Pronouncing 'x' as 'ks'.
→
Pronounce it as 'sh'.
In words like 'desleixadamente', 'x' follows a diphthong and takes the 'sh' sound.
-
Using 'relaxadamente' to mean 'sloppily'.
→
Use 'desleixadamente'.
Relaxadamente means 'in a relaxed manner', which is usually positive. Desleixadamente is negative.
-
Spelling it 'desleichadamente'.
→
Spelling it with an 'x'.
While 'ch' and 'x' can sound the same, this word is historically spelled with an 'x'.
-
Agreeing the adverb with gender (e.g., desleixadomente).
→
Always use 'desleixadamente'.
Adverbs ending in '-mente' are invariable and do not change for gender or number.
-
Using it for 'lazily' in all contexts.
→
Use 'preguiçosamente' for lack of energy.
Desleixadamente refers to the quality of the result, not necessarily the energy level of the person.
Astuces
Master the 'Sh'
Don't say 'des-leiks-a-da-mente'. The 'x' is soft like 'sh'. Practicing this will make you sound much more like a native speaker.
Adverb Placement
In Portuguese, adverbs of manner usually come right after the verb. 'Ele trabalha desleixadamente' is much more natural than putting the adverb elsewhere.
Synonym Choice
If you want to sound very professional, use 'negligentemente'. If you want to sound casual, use 'à balda' (in Portugal) or 'de qualquer jeito'.
The Value of 'Capricho'
Understand that 'desleixo' is a strong criticism. Portuguese speakers value doing things with 'capricho' (care), so this word carries weight.
The 'Des-' Prefix
Remember that 'des-' usually means 'not'. So 'des-leixadamente' is 'not-carefully'. This helps you decode many Portuguese words.
Appearance vs. Action
Use 'desleixadamente' for how someone DOES something. Use 'desleixado' for how someone IS or how they LOOK.
Spelling Tip
The '-mente' suffix is added to the feminine form of the adjective. Since 'desleixado' becomes 'desleixada', the adverb is 'desleixadamente'.
Listen for the Stress
The stress in all '-mente' adverbs is on the 'MEN'. This helps you identify adverbs even if you don't know the first part of the word.
Don't Rush
Because it's a long word, learners often trip over it. Say it slowly and clearly; it's better to be slow than to say it 'desleixadamente'!
Workplace Feedback
If a boss says your work is 'desleixado', it's a serious warning. It means you aren't just making mistakes, you aren't trying.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of someone who is 'DESperate' and 'LEIX' (sounds like 'lays') around 'MENTE' (mentally). They are acting 'desleixadamente' because they've given up caring.
Association visuelle
Imagine a person trying to paint a wall while lying in a hammock. The paint is dripping everywhere and the lines are crooked. That is 'desleixadamente'.
Word Web
Défi
Try to describe three things in your house that were done 'desleixadamente' today (e.g., how you made the bed, how you washed the dishes).
Origine du mot
Derived from the Portuguese adjective 'desleixado', which comes from the verb 'desleixar'. The verb is formed by the prefix 'des-' (indicating negation or reversal) and the root 'leixar', an archaic form of 'deixar' (to leave/to let).
Sens originel : To leave something undone or to abandon care for something.
Romance (Latin root 'laxus' meaning loose or slack).Contexte culturel
Be careful when using this word to describe a person's appearance, as it can be quite offensive, implying they are dirty or unkempt.
English speakers might use 'sloppily' or 'carelessly', but 'desleixadamente' often feels more critical of the person's character than 'carelessly' does.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
At School
- Fizeste o trabalho desleixadamente.
- Não escrevas tão desleixadamente.
- A redação foi feita desleixadamente.
- Estudas desleixadamente.
At Home
- Arrumaste o quarto desleixadamente.
- Limpaste a mesa desleixadamente.
- Cozinhaste desleixadamente hoje.
- Tratas as tuas coisas desleixadamente.
At Work
- O relatório foi preenchido desleixadamente.
- Ele gere a equipa desleixadamente.
- Não trabalhes desleixadamente.
- O projeto foi executado desleixadamente.
Personal Appearance
- Ele veste-se desleixadamente.
- Penteaste o cabelo desleixadamente.
- Não te apresentes desleixadamente.
- Ela anda sempre desleixadamente.
Driving/Safety
- Ele conduz desleixadamente.
- Verificaste os travões desleixadamente.
- Não ajas desleixadamente ao volante.
- A segurança foi tratada desleixadamente.
Amorces de conversation
"Achas que as pessoas hoje em dia trabalham mais desleixadamente do que no passado?"
"Como reages quando alguém faz um serviço para ti desleixadamente?"
"Já alguma vez fizeste algo desleixadamente e arrependeste-te depois?"
"O que consideras ser o exemplo máximo de viver desleixadamente?"
"Crees que é possível ser um artista e criar desleixadamente de propósito?"
Sujets d'écriture
Descreve uma situação em que viste alguém a trabalhar desleixadamente e como isso te fez sentir.
Reflete sobre uma área da tua vida que tens tratado desleixadamente e como podes mudar isso.
Escreve sobre a diferença entre fazer algo 'apressadamente' e 'desleixadamente'.
Imagina um mundo onde todos fizessem tudo desleixadamente. Como seria a vida?
Descreve o teu quarto ou escritório num dia em que o arrumaste desleixadamente.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is very common in both Portugal and Brazil. It is used frequently to criticize someone's lack of care in their work or personal habits. While it is a long word, even children understand its meaning.
The 'x' is pronounced like the English 'sh' sound in 'shoe'. This is because it follows the 'ei' diphthong. It is a common pronunciation rule in Portuguese.
No, you should use 'relaxadamente' for that. 'Desleixadamente' is almost always negative and implies a failure to do something properly. Using it to mean 'relaxed' would be a mistake.
'Desleixadamente' implies a more general lack of care or a habit of being sloppy. 'Descuidadamente' often refers to a specific moment of being 'careless' or 'unattentive', like accidentally dropping something.
Yes, the meaning and usage are identical. However, in Brazil, you might hear the noun 'relaxo' or the adjective 'relaxado' used more colloquially to mean 'desleixado'.
No. Like all Portuguese adverbs ending in '-mente', it is invariable. It remains the same regardless of the gender or number of the subject.
Rarely. Sometimes in fashion, it can describe an 'effortlessly messy' look, but even then, it usually retains a hint of criticism or refers to the literal state of untidiness.
It is neutral. It is perfectly acceptable in a professional email, a newspaper article, or a conversation with friends. It is not slang, but it is not overly academic either.
The most common opposite is 'cuidadosamente' (carefully). Other opposites include 'meticulosamente' (meticulously) and 'atentamente' (attentively).
The word has six syllables: des-lei-xa-da-men-te. The stress is on the 'men' syllable.
Teste-toi 180 questions
Write a sentence saying 'He writes sloppily'.
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Write a sentence saying 'I cleaned the room sloppily'.
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Write a sentence advising someone not to work sloppily.
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Describe a messy garden using 'desleixadamente'.
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Discuss why a report might be written sloppily.
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Write 'Don't eat messily'.
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Write 'She dresses sloppily for work'.
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Write 'The homework was done sloppily'.
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Use the adverb at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
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Compare two people's work ethics using the word.
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Write 'The cat sleeps messily'.
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Write 'You painted the wall sloppily'.
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Write 'They treat the books carelessly'.
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Explain the consequence of driving sloppily.
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Write a sentence about a government's management of funds.
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Write 'He left the keys carelessly on the table'.
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Write 'The kitchen was cleaned sloppily'.
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Write 'The project was presented sloppily'.
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Describe a character in a book who lives sloppily.
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Discuss the philosophical implications of 'desleixo' in modern society.
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Pronounce the word 'desleixadamente' slowly.
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Say: 'He works sloppily'.
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Say: 'Don't do your homework sloppily'.
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Explain why it's bad to drive sloppily.
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Describe a time you saw something done sloppily.
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Pronounce 'x' in 'desleixadamente'.
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Say: 'She dresses sloppily'.
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Say: 'The room was cleaned sloppily'.
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Compare two workers using the word.
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Talk about a government project that was managed sloppily.
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Repeat: 'Desleixadamente'.
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Say: 'I don't like to work sloppily'.
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Say: 'The dinner was cooked sloppily'.
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Give a command to your child about their room.
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Use the word in a sentence about a book or movie.
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Count the syllables: des-lei-xa-da-men-te.
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Say: 'Messy hair'.
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Say: 'A sloppy report'.
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Explain the difference between 'carefully' and 'sloppily'.
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Discuss a complex topic using the word.
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Listen and identify the adverb: 'Ele corre desleixadamente pela rua.'
Listen and identify the verb modified: 'Ela limpou a casa desleixadamente.'
Listen and identify the tone: 'Fizeste o trabalho desleixadamente!' (Angry/Happy)
Listen and identify the subject: 'Desleixadamente, os guardas dormiram.'
Listen and identify the consequence: 'O projeto foi gerido desleixadamente e faliu.'
How many times do you hear the word? 'Não faças desleixadamente o que podes fazer bem. O desleixo é mau.'
Identify the object: 'Ele tratou as flores desleixadamente.'
True or False: The speaker is pleased. 'O quarto foi arrumado desleixadamente.'
Identify the reason: 'O acidente ocorreu porque ele conduzia desleixadamente.'
Identify the time frame: 'Eles têm vivido desleixadamente desde o ano passado.'
Listen: 'Des-lei-xa-da-men-te'. How many syllables?
Listen: 'Ele veste-se desleixadamente'. What is he doing?
Listen: 'O relatório está desleixadamente escrito'. What is wrong with it?
Listen: 'A mesa foi posta desleixadamente'. Is it ready for a fancy dinner?
Listen: 'A herança foi desleixadamente dividida'. What will happen next?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'desleixadamente' is your essential tool for expressing disappointment in the quality of an action. Whether it's a messy room or a sloppy report, use it to highlight a lack of care. Example: 'Não faças o teu trabalho desleixadamente.'
- Desleixadamente describes doing something in a careless, messy, or negligent way, often implying a lack of effort or respect for the task.
- It is a long adverb ending in '-mente', which corresponds to the English suffix '-ly', making it 'sloppily' or 'carelessly'.
- The word is commonly used to criticize work quality, personal appearance, or the general upkeep of physical spaces like rooms or gardens.
- Culturally, it carries a negative weight in Portuguese-speaking societies where 'capricho' (taking pride in one's work) is highly valued as a virtue.
Master the 'Sh'
Don't say 'des-leiks-a-da-mente'. The 'x' is soft like 'sh'. Practicing this will make you sound much more like a native speaker.
Adverb Placement
In Portuguese, adverbs of manner usually come right after the verb. 'Ele trabalha desleixadamente' is much more natural than putting the adverb elsewhere.
Synonym Choice
If you want to sound very professional, use 'negligentemente'. If you want to sound casual, use 'à balda' (in Portugal) or 'de qualquer jeito'.
The Value of 'Capricho'
Understand that 'desleixo' is a strong criticism. Portuguese speakers value doing things with 'capricho' (care), so this word carries weight.
Contenu associé
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à esquerda de
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a gás
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a tua
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abajur
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abrir à chave
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