In 15 Seconds
- Decision based on prior conversation.
- Connects talking to action.
- Sounds thoughtful and reasoned.
- Neutral to formal usage.
Meaning
This phrase means you're making a decision or forming an opinion based on what was just talked about. It’s like saying, ‘considering what we just discussed,’ giving weight to the conversation’s points. It carries a vibe of thoughtful consideration and reasoned judgment.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about weekend plans
Acho que vamos ao cinema no sábado. À luz de discussão, parece ser a melhor opção.
I think we'll go to the cinema on Saturday. In light of the discussion, it seems like the best option.
Email to a professor
Prezado Professor, à luz de discussão sobre o tema do meu ensaio, decidi focar na influência da tecnologia.
Dear Professor, in light of the discussion about my essay topic, I've decided to focus on the influence of technology.
Team meeting follow-up
Conforme combinado, à luz de discussão da reunião de ontem, preparei um resumo dos pontos principais.
As agreed, in light of the discussion from yesterday's meeting, I've prepared a summary of the main points.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian corporate culture, 'À luz da discussão' is often used to politely pivot away from a previous mistake without taking personal blame. In Portugal, this phrase is a staple of 'Direito' (Law). Legal documents are almost always written 'à luz de' certain articles or previous debates. In theses and dissertations across the Lusophone world, this phrase is used to introduce the 'Theoretical Framework'. News anchors in Brazil use this to summarize complex political debates for the audience.
The 'Crase' Shortcut
If you can replace 'À luz' with 'Ao brilho' (masculine), then the 'à' must have an accent. Since 'Ao brilho' works, 'À luz' gets the crase!
Don't be too casual
Using this while ordering a beer might make your friends laugh. Save it for when you want to sound smart or professional.
In 15 Seconds
- Decision based on prior conversation.
- Connects talking to action.
- Sounds thoughtful and reasoned.
- Neutral to formal usage.
What It Means
À luz de discussão literally means 'in the light of discussion.' Think of it as shining a light on something based on what you've just talked about. You're not just saying 'because we talked,' you're saying 'because of the *specific points* and *insights* that came up in our chat.' It implies that the discussion has illuminated the path forward, making a decision clearer or more informed. It's a sophisticated way to link past conversation to present action or thought. It’s like a little spotlight on your reasoning, powered by dialogue. Did you know that light bulbs were once considered a magical invention? This phrase is almost as illuminating!
How To Use It
Use à luz de discussão when you want to show that your current action or opinion is a direct result of a previous conversation. It’s perfect for situations where you need to justify a decision or explain your viewpoint based on shared information. Imagine you and a friend are planning a trip. You discussed destinations, budgets, and activities. Now, you're choosing the final plan. You might say, 'Okay, à luz de discussão, I think we should go with the beach resort.' It connects the dots between talking and doing. It’s also great in more formal settings, like a meeting. You can say, 'À luz de discussão na reunião passada, a equipe decidiu priorizar o projeto X.' This shows you're paying attention and acting on collective input. It’s like building a bridge from conversation to conclusion. Don't be afraid to use it; it makes you sound super thoughtful!
Formality & Register
This phrase leans towards the formal side, but it’s not stuffy. You can use it in professional emails, reports, or meetings without sounding out of place. It’s also perfectly fine in slightly more serious personal conversations, like when discussing important family matters or making big plans with close friends. It’s not something you’d typically use in a quick text message about grabbing pizza, unless you're being intentionally playful or ironic. Think of it as smart casual for language – appropriate for most situations that require a bit of polish. It's like wearing a nice blazer to a casual gathering; it shows you put in a little extra effort. It's definitely not slang; you won't find it on TikTok's trending sounds, thankfully.
Real-Life Examples
- Work Meeting: '
À luz de discussãosobre o orçamento, propomos um corte de 10% nas despesas não essenciais.' (In light of the discussion about the budget, we propose a 10% cut in non-essential expenses.) - Planning with Friends: 'Considerando o que falamos sobre o tempo,
à luz de discussão, acho melhor marcarmos o piquenique para domingo.' (Considering what we talked about regarding the weather, in light of the discussion, I think it’s better we schedule the picnic for Sunday.) - Academic Paper: '
À luz de discussãoanterior sobre as teorias existentes, este estudo oferece uma nova perspectiva.' (In light of the previous discussion on existing theories, this study offers a new perspective.) - Email to Colleague: '
À luz de discussãode ontem, enviei a versão atualizada do relatório para sua revisão.' (In light of yesterday's discussion, I've sent the updated version of the report for your review.) - Decision Making: 'O conselho,
à luz de discussãocom os moradores, aprovou a nova política de reciclagem.' (The council, in light of the discussion with the residents, approved the new recycling policy.)
When To Use It
Use à luz de discussão when you want to explicitly link a decision, opinion, or action to a prior conversation. It’s ideal when you need to demonstrate that you’ve considered previous input. This phrase adds a layer of thoughtfulness to your communication. Use it when you want to sound reasoned and considerate. It’s great for follow-up communications after meetings or important chats. Think of it as a verbal or written nod to the collective brainpower. It’s also useful when you want to gently steer a conversation or decision based on what was already established. It shows you’re building upon previous ideas, not starting from scratch. It's like adding the next logical brick to a wall. You're not just talking; you're *building* with words.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid à luz de discussão in very casual, spontaneous chats where brevity is key. Sending a text like 'Pizza tonight? À luz de discussão of our hunger levels, yes!' might be overkill. It can sound a bit too formal or even pretentious in such contexts. Also, don't use it if the 'discussion' was trivial or didn't actually contribute to the decision. If you just briefly mentioned the weather in passing, saying 'À luz de discussão about the clouds, we are cancelling the barbecue' sounds a bit dramatic. It implies a significant, impactful conversation. Don't use it when you're the sole decision-maker and no prior discussion influenced you. It would be misleading. It’s like using a formal invitation for a casual coffee meet-up. It just doesn’t fit the vibe. And definitely don't use it if you're trying to be super brief, like in a tweet.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using it when the discussion wasn't really that impactful. It implies a certain weight. Another is using it in contexts that are too informal. It can make you sound like you're trying too hard to be eloquent. Sometimes, people overuse it, making every decision seem like it came from a grand debate. Remember, it's about *specific points* from a *discussion*. A quick 'hello' isn't a discussion. Also, mixing it with other phrases that mean the same thing can be redundant. It’s like saying 'in light of the discussion, based on what we talked about.' Just pick one! It’s better to be clear than to be overly verbose. Think of it like this: ✗ À luz de conversa rápida sobre o tempo, vamos adiar. → ✓ Considerando o tempo, vamos adiar. The latter is much more natural. Or ✗ À luz de discussão, eu gosto de sorvete. → ✓ Eu gosto de sorvete. Simple preferences don't usually need this level of justification.
Common Variations
While à luz de discussão is quite standard, you might hear or see slight variations or similar expressions. In Brazil, you might hear em vista do que discutimos (in view of what we discussed), which carries a very similar meaning and formality. Diante do que foi discutido (faced with what was discussed) is another close relative, often used in more formal settings. Sometimes, people might simplify it in very informal chats, perhaps just saying depois da nossa conversa (after our chat) or com base no que falamos (based on what we said). These are less formal and less precise but convey a similar idea of acting on prior conversation. The core idea remains: the discussion informed the outcome. It’s like different flavors of the same ice cream – still delicious, just slightly different.
Real Conversations
- Friend 1: 'So, should we rent the car for the whole week or just for the weekend?'
- Friend 2: 'Hmm, remember we talked about how expensive the gas is here? À luz de discussão, maybe we should just rent it for the weekend and use public transport during the week.'
- Friend 1: 'That makes sense. Good point!'
- Colleague A: 'I've attached the project proposal. What do you think?'
- Colleague B: 'Thanks. I've reviewed it. À luz de discussão from our last meeting about the client's budget constraints, I think we need to trim down the scope in section 3.'
- Colleague A: 'Agreed. I'll work on that revision.'
- Parent: 'We need to decide if you can go to the concert. Your grades have been slipping.'
- Teenager: 'I know, but I've been studying really hard this week! À luz de discussão about my effort, can you please consider letting me go? I promise to catch up on anything I miss.'
- Parent: 'Let me think about it.'
Quick FAQ
- Is it formal? Yes, generally it's considered neutral to formal. Think professional emails or important conversations. It's not for super casual texting.
- Can I use it in Brazil? Absolutely! It's understood and used in both Portugal and Brazil.
- What if the discussion was short? It's best used when the discussion was substantial enough to influence a decision. A quick 'hello' doesn't count!
- Is there a simpler way? Yes, phrases like
com base no que falamos(based on what we said) are simpler for casual use. - Does it sound old-fashioned? Not at all! It sounds educated and thoughtful. It's a classic phrase that remains relevant.
Usage Notes
This expression carries a neutral to formal tone, best suited for situations where you need to demonstrate thoughtfulness and a connection to prior dialogue. Avoid using it in very casual contexts or when the 'discussion' was trivial, as it implies a significant conversation has informed the current stance or action. Ensure correct grammar, particularly the use of the 'crase' (`à`).
The 'Crase' Shortcut
If you can replace 'À luz' with 'Ao brilho' (masculine), then the 'à' must have an accent. Since 'Ao brilho' works, 'À luz' gets the crase!
Don't be too casual
Using this while ordering a beer might make your friends laugh. Save it for when you want to sound smart or professional.
Validation
In a Portuguese meeting, using this phrase is a great way to show you were paying attention to everyone's points.
Examples
12Acho que vamos ao cinema no sábado. À luz de discussão, parece ser a melhor opção.
I think we'll go to the cinema on Saturday. In light of the discussion, it seems like the best option.
Here, it implies that the friends discussed various options and concluded the cinema was the best.
Prezado Professor, à luz de discussão sobre o tema do meu ensaio, decidi focar na influência da tecnologia.
Dear Professor, in light of the discussion about my essay topic, I've decided to focus on the influence of technology.
This shows the student is following up on advice or suggestions given by the professor.
Conforme combinado, à luz de discussão da reunião de ontem, preparei um resumo dos pontos principais.
As agreed, in light of the discussion from yesterday's meeting, I've prepared a summary of the main points.
This highlights that the action (preparing the summary) is a direct consequence of the meeting's dialogue.
Muitas ideias trocadas! 💡 À luz de discussão intensa, nosso projeto está tomando forma. Mal podemos esperar para mostrar!
Lots of ideas exchanged! 💡 In light of intense discussion, our project is taking shape. We can't wait to show you!
Used here to add a slightly more formal/reflective tone to a social media post about collaborative work.
Vou comprar o presente agora. À luz de discussão, acho que ela vai gostar mais do livro.
I'm going to buy the gift now. In light of the discussion, I think she'll like the book more.
Implies they previously talked about gift ideas and settled on the book.
Entendo a preocupação com o prazo. À luz de discussão anterior sobre os recursos disponíveis, acredito que podemos cumprir.
I understand the concern about the deadline. In light of the previous discussion about available resources, I believe we can meet it.
This professionally links the candidate's confidence to prior resource discussions.
Decidi comer o último pedaço de bolo. À luz de discussão sobre quem merecia mais (eu!), foi uma decisão justa.
I decided to eat the last piece of cake. In light of the discussion about who deserved it more (me!), it was a fair decision.
Used humorously to justify a selfish action, pretending a 'discussion' (in their head) led to it.
Depois de tudo o que conversamos sobre o futuro, à luz de discussão, creio que é melhor seguirmos caminhos separados.
After all we've talked about regarding the future, in light of the discussion, I believe it's better we go our separate ways.
Used here to convey that a difficult decision was reached after deep, meaningful conversation.
✗ À luz de discussão sobre o meme, ri muito.
✗ In light of the discussion about the meme, I laughed a lot.
Overly formal for reacting to a meme. A simple 'Ri muito com o meme!' is better.
✗ À luz de discussão, decidi pintar meu quarto de azul.
✗ In light of the discussion, I decided to paint my room blue.
This implies a discussion influenced the decision, but if it was a solo choice, it's misleading. Better: 'Decidi pintar meu quarto de azul.'
Considerando o orçamento que definimos, à luz de discussão, o hotel A parece ser a opção mais viável.
Considering the budget we set, in light of the discussion, Hotel A seems to be the most viable option.
Links the budget discussion directly to the choice of accommodation.
Obrigado pelo feedback construtivo. À luz de discussão, ajustarei o plano conforme sugerido.
Thank you for the constructive feedback. In light of the discussion, I will adjust the plan as suggested.
Shows that the feedback received during the discussion led to a concrete action.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta da expressão (não esqueça a crase!).
________ da discussão de ontem, decidimos cancelar o evento.
A expressão correta exige a crase (à) pois é a fusão da preposição 'a' com o artigo 'a'.
Qual frase usa a expressão de forma natural?
Escolha a opção correta:
A expressão deve indicar que a discussão influenciou uma conclusão ou análise intelectual.
Complete o diálogo formal de trabalho.
Chefe: O que você achou dos novos prazos? Funcionário: ________, acredito que são realistas.
É a forma mais profissional e adequada para um contexto de trabalho.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises________ da discussão de ontem, decidimos cancelar o evento.
A expressão correta exige a crase (à) pois é a fusão da preposição 'a' com o artigo 'a'.
Escolha a opção correta:
A expressão deve indicar que a discussão influenciou uma conclusão ou análise intelectual.
Chefe: O que você achou dos novos prazos? Funcionário: ________, acredito que são realistas.
É a forma mais profissional e adequada para um contexto de trabalho.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are correct. Use 'da' for a specific discussion ('the discussion we just had') and 'de' for general concepts ('in light of scientific discussion').
Only if the text is about something serious, like a work project or a deep conversation. For 'where to eat', it's too formal.
It's a 'crase'. It marks the combination of the preposition 'a' and the feminine article 'a'.
Sort of, but it's more specific. It means 'Because of the clarity we got from talking'.
Yes, it is equally common and understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'Apesar da discussão' (Despite the discussion) implies you are ignoring what was said.
No, that sounds like you are literally inside a light beam. Always use 'À luz'.
Feminine. 'A luz'. That's why we use 'à' and not 'ao'.
Yes! It is one of the best phrases to use when connecting your data to a theoretical debate.
No. In Portuguese, 'discussão' often just means a 'debate' or 'exchange of ideas', not necessarily a fight.
Related Phrases
À luz dos fatos
similarIn light of the facts.
Tendo em conta
synonymTaking into account.
Dar à luz
contrastTo give birth.
Sob a ótica de
specialized formUnder the perspective of.