In 15 Seconds
- Used to show an idea is based on a solid decision.
- Very formal and authoritative tone for professional settings.
- Derived from the word for a building's foundation.
Meaning
This phrase describes a decision, argument, or action that is firmly rooted in a specific final result or decision. It is like saying something is 'grounded' or 'built upon' a solid foundation of logic.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a corporate board meeting
Nosso plano de expansão está alicerçado em conclusão de mercado.
Our expansion plan is grounded in a market conclusion.
Writing a formal academic paper
O argumento do autor está alicerçado em conclusão lógica.
The author's argument is grounded in logical conclusion.
Explaining a serious life change to family
Minha mudança para Braga está alicerçada em conclusão sobre qualidade de vida.
My move to Braga is based on a conclusion about quality of life.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian legal culture, 'alicerçado' is often used to give 'peso' (weight) to a lawyer's argument. It sounds more impressive than 'baseado'. Portuguese academic writing is traditionally very dense and formal. 'Alicerçado' is a staple in Coimbra University dissertations. In formal Angolan administrative Portuguese, this phrase is used in official gazettes (Diário da República) to justify government decrees. Used in high-level diplomatic and NGO reports to describe the basis of development projects.
The 'Weight' Test
If you can replace the word with 'supported by a heavy rock', use 'alicerçado'. If it's just 'based on', use 'baseado'.
Gender Trap
Always check the noun. 'A tese' (f) = alicerçada. 'O estudo' (m) = alicerçado. This is the #1 error for B2 learners.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to show an idea is based on a solid decision.
- Very formal and authoritative tone for professional settings.
- Derived from the word for a building's foundation.
What It Means
Imagine you are building a house. The most important part is the alicerce, or the foundation. Without it, the house falls. This expression uses that image. When you say something is alicerçado em conclusão, you mean your idea isn't just a guess. It is standing on a solid, finished thought. It means 'this is my basis.'
How To Use It
You use this to justify why you are doing something. It usually appears in writing or serious talks. You mention a previous finding or a decision first. Then, you explain your next step using this phrase. It makes you sound very logical. It shows you have done your homework. You are connecting the dots for your listener.
When To Use It
This is perfect for a business meeting. Use it when explaining a new strategy to your boss. It works great in academic essays too. If you are in a legal situation, this is your best friend. It sounds authoritative and professional. You can also use it when making a big life choice. It shows you aren't being impulsive.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a loud party. Your friends will think you are reading a textbook. Avoid it when ordering food or texting about casual plans. It is too 'heavy' for small talk. If you use it while arguing about which movie to watch, it might sound sarcastic. Keep it for moments that actually need a 'foundation.'
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture has a deep respect for formal rhetoric. In law and academia, using precise, structural language is a sign of education. The word alicerce (foundation) is very evocative in Portugal and Brazil. It suggests stability and tradition. Using this phrase taps into that cultural desire for things to be well-built and 'solid.'
Common Variations
You might hear fundamentado em which means 'founded on.' Another common one is baseado na conclusão. If you want to be slightly less formal, you can say com base no que decidimos. However, alicerçado remains the most 'solid' and impressive choice for formal settings.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. Use it when you need to sound authoritative. Be careful with gender agreement: `O argumento está alicerçado`, but `A tese está alicerçada`.
The 'Weight' Test
If you can replace the word with 'supported by a heavy rock', use 'alicerçado'. If it's just 'based on', use 'baseado'.
Gender Trap
Always check the noun. 'A tese' (f) = alicerçada. 'O estudo' (m) = alicerçado. This is the #1 error for B2 learners.
Examples
6Nosso plano de expansão está alicerçado em conclusão de mercado.
Our expansion plan is grounded in a market conclusion.
Shows the plan is not a gamble but based on data.
O argumento do autor está alicerçado em conclusão lógica.
The author's argument is grounded in logical conclusion.
Used to validate the strength of a scholarly claim.
Minha mudança para Braga está alicerçada em conclusão sobre qualidade de vida.
My move to Braga is based on a conclusion about quality of life.
Adds weight and seriousness to a personal decision.
A decisão de ontem está alicerçada em conclusão técnica.
Yesterday's decision is grounded in a technical conclusion.
A bit formal for text, but clear and professional.
Minha recusa em lavar a louça está alicerçada em conclusão de cansaço extremo.
My refusal to wash the dishes is grounded in a conclusion of extreme tiredness.
Uses formal language to make a funny, dramatic point.
O pedido de recurso está alicerçado em conclusão de erro processual.
The appeal request is grounded in a conclusion of procedural error.
Standard high-level legal phrasing.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'alicerçado' and the preposition.
A nova lei está ________ ________ conclusão de que o crime diminuiu.
'Lei' is feminine singular, and we are referring to a specific conclusion (na = em + a).
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Escolha a opção correta:
This is a proper formal use of the phrase regarding a legal verdict.
Match the noun with the correct form of the adjective.
Combine os pares:
Matches masculine plural noun with masculine plural adjective.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesA nova lei está ________ ________ conclusão de que o crime diminuiu.
'Lei' is feminine singular, and we are referring to a specific conclusion (na = em + a).
Escolha a opção correta:
This is a proper formal use of the phrase regarding a legal verdict.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matches masculine plural noun with masculine plural adjective.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is used in both, but Portugal tends to use it more frequently in standard formal writing, whereas Brazilians might favor 'fundamentado' in similar contexts.
Yes, if the email is to a client or a superior about a serious project. Don't use it for scheduling a lunch.
'Baseado' is neutral and common. 'Alicerçado' is formal and emphasizes the strength and depth of the foundation.
No, you can be alicerçado in 'fatos', 'estudos', 'princípios', etc. 'Em conclusão' is just one specific, high-level way to use it.
Related Phrases
fundamentado em
synonymBased on fundamentals or evidence.
pautado em
similarGuided by or following a rule.
em última análise
builds onIn the final analysis.
