In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to add information or arguments.
- Equivalent to 'moreover', 'furthermore', or 'besides'.
- Best for writing, speeches, and professional settings.
Meaning
A sophisticated way to say 'moreover' or 'besides that' when you want to add an extra point to your argument.
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a professional email
O relatório está pronto; ademais, os dados foram revisados.
The report is ready; moreover, the data has been reviewed.
Explaining a delay to a friend
O ônibus quebrou; ademais, começou a chover muito forte.
The bus broke down; besides that, it started raining very hard.
Discussing a movie's flaws
O roteiro é fraco; ademais, a atuação não convence.
The script is weak; furthermore, the acting isn't convincing.
Cultural Background
Originating from Latin, 'ademais' is a hallmark of the 'Culto' (educated) register of Portuguese. While common in literature and law, using it in casual Brazilian conversation often signals that the speaker is well-educated or trying to be particularly persuasive.
The Semicolon Secret
In writing, `ademais` loves following a semicolon (;). It makes your sentence look sophisticated and helps the reader pause before your 'big' second point.
Don't Overdo It
Using `ademais` three times in one paragraph makes you sound like a 19th-century philosopher. Mix it up with `além disso` to keep it fresh.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to add information or arguments.
- Equivalent to 'moreover', 'furthermore', or 'besides'.
- Best for writing, speeches, and professional settings.
What It Means
Ademais is your secret weapon for adding extra layers to your point. Think of it as saying 'and another thing' but with a bit more class. You use it when you’ve already made a solid point and want to drop a second, even better one. It bridges two ideas smoothly and keeps your conversation flowing without sounding repetitive. It’s like the 'bonus round' of your argument. When you use it, you’re telling your listener that your logic is deep and well-thought-out.
How To Use It
Think of ademais as a sturdy logical bridge. You usually place it right at the start of a new sentence to introduce a new fact. You can also tuck it after a semicolon if you’re feeling fancy. It signals to your listener that you aren't finished with your train of thought yet. For example, you might say the house is beautiful, then add ademais to mention the low price. It’s a connector that adds significant weight and structure to your arguments without being clunky.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound organized, smart, and persuasive. It’s perfect for business emails where you need to list several benefits of a deal. It works wonders in academic essays, cover letters, or any writing where you need to sound professional. If you are debating a topic with friends and want to win, it adds a layer of authority. It shows you have a structured mind and have thought your points through. Even in serious text messages, it helps clarify your logic and intent.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid ademais when you are at a loud, casual party or a soccer match. If you’re just grabbing a quick beer with a buddy, it sounds a bit too stiff. Don't use it in a heated, emotional argument with your partner; it might make you sound like a lawyer instead of a person who cares. Keep it away from slang-heavy group chats where everyone is using 'vc' and 'tb'. Using it there might get you some funny looks or a few jokes at your expense.
Cultural Background
This word has deep roots, coming from the Latin 'ad magis', which basically means 'to more'. It has survived centuries of linguistic shifts to remain a staple of formal Portuguese. In both Portugal and Brazil, it carries a certain 'intellectual' weight that other connectors don't have. It isn't just a word; it’s a sign of education and rhetorical skill. It’s the kind of word you hear in a courtroom, a high-level political speech, or a university lecture.
Common Variations
If ademais feels a bit too heavy for the moment, try além disso. It’s the friendly, casual cousin that everyone uses in daily life. For something even more formal—maybe you're writing to the President—use outrossim. If you want to sound modern and clear, try somado a isso. Each one adds a different flavor to your sentence, so choose based on who you are talking to and how much you want to impress them.
Usage Notes
Mainly used in written Portuguese or formal speeches. In casual conversation, it can sound slightly pretentious unless used for emphasis or humor.
The Semicolon Secret
In writing, `ademais` loves following a semicolon (;). It makes your sentence look sophisticated and helps the reader pause before your 'big' second point.
Don't Overdo It
Using `ademais` three times in one paragraph makes you sound like a 19th-century philosopher. Mix it up with `além disso` to keep it fresh.
The 'Smart' Vibe
Brazilians often use `ademais` when they want to sound more credible during a disagreement. It’s a subtle way to signal: 'I know what I'm talking about.'
Examples
6O relatório está pronto; ademais, os dados foram revisados.
The report is ready; moreover, the data has been reviewed.
Here it adds a layer of quality assurance to the task completion.
O ônibus quebrou; ademais, começou a chover muito forte.
The bus broke down; besides that, it started raining very hard.
Used here to stack excuses and gain sympathy.
O roteiro é fraco; ademais, a atuação não convence.
The script is weak; furthermore, the acting isn't convincing.
Used to provide a secondary reason for a negative opinion.
Não quero sair; ademais, minha cama é muito mais legal.
I don't want to go out; besides, my bed is much cooler.
The formal word creates a funny contrast with the lazy topic.
Eu amo meu trabalho; ademais, ele me permite viajar.
I love my job; moreover, it allows me to travel.
Adds a practical benefit to an emotional statement.
A reunião foi produtiva. Ademais, definimos o novo cronograma.
The meeting was productive. Moreover, we defined the new schedule.
Keeps the update concise and professional.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to link these two formal points.
A proposta é inovadora. ___, ela reduz os custos operacionais.
`Ademais` is used to add a supporting point, which fits perfectly here.
Which word is the most casual alternative to 'ademais'?
O filme é longo; ___ é bem chato.
`Além disso` is the most common and casual way to say 'besides that' in Portuguese.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Adding Information'
Used with friends and family
E também...
Standard everyday use
Além disso...
Professional and academic writing
Ademais...
Legal or extremely high-level text
Outrossim...
When to drop 'Ademais' into conversation
University Essay
Adding a second supporting argument.
Job Interview
Listing your various skills.
Serious Debate
Refuting a point with extra evidence.
Formal Email
Providing extra details to a client.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesA proposta é inovadora. ___, ela reduz os custos operacionais.
`Ademais` is used to add a supporting point, which fits perfectly here.
O filme é longo; ___ é bem chato.
`Além disso` is the most common and casual way to say 'besides that' in Portuguese.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's just a fancy way of saying 'besides' or 'moreover'. Use it when you want to add one more piece of information to what you just said.
It's less common in casual speech than além disso. You'll hear it more in news reports, speeches, or serious discussions.
Yes, but it might make you sound a bit formal. If you're texting a boss, it's great; if you're texting a best friend, they might ask why you're being so serious.
They mean the same thing, but ademais is more formal. Think of além disso as jeans and ademais as a blazer.
Almost always at the beginning of a sentence or a clause. For example: Ademais, precisamos considerar o tempo.
Yes, it is used identically in both countries as a formal connector.
No, that's a common mistake! Demais (one word) can mean 'too much', but ademais (with the 'a') only means 'moreover'.
Technically, it's an adverb used as a connective or transition word.
That would be outrossim. It’s very rare outside of legal documents or very old books.
Absolutely. It’s a great way to link a new paragraph to the previous one if you are continuing the same line of reasoning.
Related Phrases
Além disso
Outrossim
Somado a isso
Por outro lado
