In 15 Seconds
- Means an idea is built on a solid foundation of facts.
- Used to sound professional, credible, and logically sound.
- Derived from the word for a building's foundation, 'alicerce'.
Meaning
This phrase describes an idea, argument, or plan that is built on a solid foundation of facts. It means something isn't just a guess; it is firmly supported by proof.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Nossa estratégia de marketing está alicerçada em evidências de mercado.
Our marketing strategy is grounded in market evidence.
Texting a friend about a theory
Minha teoria sobre o final da série está alicerçada em evidências!
My theory about the series finale is grounded in evidence!
Discussing a medical treatment
O novo tratamento está alicerçado em evidências científicas robustas.
The new treatment is grounded in robust scientific evidence.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the phrase is a hallmark of the 'Data-Driven' movement in startups and the 'Scientific' movement in public health. It is often used to counter 'fake news'. Portuguese academic and legal culture is very formal. Using 'alicerçado' instead of 'baseado' shows a higher level of education and command of the language. In these Lusophone African countries, the phrase is common in official government documents and international cooperation reports. Universally across the Lusosphere, this phrase is the 'gatekeeper' for serious research. If a paper isn't 'alicerçado em evidências', it isn't considered valid.
Sound like a Pro
Use this in a job interview to describe your decision-making process. It sounds much more impressive than 'Eu uso dados'.
Agreement is Key
Native speakers will notice immediately if you don't match the gender. 'A proposta alicerçado' sounds very broken.
In 15 Seconds
- Means an idea is built on a solid foundation of facts.
- Used to sound professional, credible, and logically sound.
- Derived from the word for a building's foundation, 'alicerce'.
What It Means
Think of a massive skyscraper in Lisbon.
It stays up because of the foundation.
In Portuguese, we call this foundation alicerce.
When you say something is alicerçado, you mean it's solid.
It isn't just a random thought or feeling.
It is built on top of real proof.
You are telling people your logic is unbreakable.
It sounds much stronger than just saying "based on."
It implies a deep, structural connection to the truth.
How To Use It
You use this phrase like an adjective.
It describes a plan, a theory, or an argument.
Usually, it follows the verb estar (to be).
For example, "A decisão está alicerçada em evidências."
You can also use it to describe a person's belief.
"A fé dele está alicerçada em evidências históricas."
Make sure to match the gender of the noun.
Use alicerçado for masculine and alicerçada for feminine.
It is a great way to sound very smart.
When To Use It
This is your "power phrase" for work.
Use it during a big presentation to bosses.
It shows you did your research thoroughly.
It is also perfect for academic writing or essays.
If you are debating a serious topic, use it.
It shuts down weak arguments very quickly.
You can even use it with friends jokingly.
Use it when you have "proof" of gossip.
"Minha fofoca está alicerçada em evidências, eu vi a foto!"
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very trivial things.
Don't say your lunch choice is alicerçado em evidências.
That sounds way too dramatic for a sandwich.
Avoid it in very relaxed, slang-heavy conversations.
It might make you sound a bit arrogant.
Unless, of course, you are being funny on purpose.
Also, don't use it if you have no proof.
People will expect you to show the data!
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value logic and clear reasoning.
The language uses many metaphors related to construction.
We like to "build" arguments and "cement" deals.
This specific phrase feels very sophisticated in style.
It is used frequently in Brazilian and Portuguese law.
It reflects a culture that respects formal education.
It shows you are a person of substance.
It’s about being "pé no chão" (feet on the ground).
Common Variations
You might hear baseado em evidências quite often.
That is the most common, everyday version.
Fundamentado em fatos is another strong alternative.
If you want to be poetic, try estribado.
But alicerçado is the most "structural" one.
It feels the most permanent and unshakeable.
Use it when you want to be taken seriously.
Usage Notes
This is a high-level (B2+) expression. It is primarily formal but can be used in neutral settings to add weight to your words. Always ensure gender and number agreement with the subject.
Sound like a Pro
Use this in a job interview to describe your decision-making process. It sounds much more impressive than 'Eu uso dados'.
Agreement is Key
Native speakers will notice immediately if you don't match the gender. 'A proposta alicerçado' sounds very broken.
Examples
6Nossa estratégia de marketing está alicerçada em evidências de mercado.
Our marketing strategy is grounded in market evidence.
This makes the speaker sound prepared and professional.
Minha teoria sobre o final da série está alicerçada em evidências!
My theory about the series finale is grounded in evidence!
Using a formal phrase for a TV show adds a funny, dramatic touch.
O novo tratamento está alicerçado em evidências científicas robustas.
The new treatment is grounded in robust scientific evidence.
Standard use in scientific or medical contexts.
Minha decisão de mudar de carreira foi alicerçada em evidências financeiras.
My decision to change careers was grounded in financial evidence.
Shows the decision was logical, not emotional.
A acusação não está alicerçada em evidências concretas.
The accusation is not grounded in concrete evidence.
Commonly used in law to describe the strength of a case.
Nossa amizade está alicerçada em evidências de lealdade mútua.
Our friendship is grounded in evidence of mutual loyalty.
A very sincere and serious way to describe a bond.
Test Yourself
Complete a frase com a forma correta de 'alicerçado' e a preposição necessária.
A nova teoria científica está ________ ________ evidências sólidas.
'Teoria' is feminine singular, so we use 'alicerçada'. The correct preposition is 'em'.
Qual contexto é mais apropriado para usar 'alicerçado em evidências'?
Em qual dessas situações você usaria a frase?
A frase é formal e técnica, ideal para contextos acadêmicos ou profissionais.
Combine o substantivo com a forma correta da expressão.
Combine as colunas:
Matches gender and number correctly.
Complete o diálogo de forma profissional.
Chefe: 'Por que devemos investir nisso?' Funcionário: 'Porque nosso plano está ________.'
In a business context, being 'grounded in evidence' is the only professional answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA nova teoria científica está ________ ________ evidências sólidas.
'Teoria' is feminine singular, so we use 'alicerçada'. The correct preposition is 'em'.
Em qual dessas situações você usaria a frase?
A frase é formal e técnica, ideal para contextos acadêmicos ou profissionais.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matches gender and number correctly.
Chefe: 'Por que devemos investir nisso?' Funcionário: 'Porque nosso plano está ________.'
In a business context, being 'grounded in evidence' is the only professional answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNot usually. You can say a person is 'um alicerce' (a foundation), but 'alicerçado em evidências' only applies to ideas, plans, or arguments.
In this specific expression, yes, it is almost always plural to suggest a body of work.
Related Phrases
Baseado em fatos reais
similarBased on real facts
Fundamentado em
synonymGrounded/Founded on
Pautado em
similarGuided by
Fruto de achismo
contrastThe result of guesswork
