Meaning
To investigate and determine the truth of a matter.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, the 'c' in 'factos' is a point of pride and a clear marker of European Portuguese since the spelling reform. Using it correctly shows high-level integration. In Brazil, 'apurar os fatos' is the catchphrase of famous news anchors like William Bonner. It signals 'serious journalism' in a country with a very vibrant and sometimes sensationalist media landscape. In African Lusophone countries, the phrase is heavily used in post-conflict resolution and official government gazettes to signal transparency. Across the Lusophone world, 'segredo de justiça' (judicial secrecy) often prevents officials from saying anything *except* 'estamos a apurar os factos'. It's the ultimate 'no comment' that still sounds productive.
Use it in Job Interviews
If asked how you handle mistakes, say: 'Primeiro, procuro apurar os factos para entender a origem do erro.' It sounds incredibly professional.
The 'C' is not silent in Portugal
In Portugal, if you don't pronounce the 'c' in 'factos', people might think you are talking about 'fatos' (suits).
Meaning
To investigate and determine the truth of a matter.
Use it in Job Interviews
If asked how you handle mistakes, say: 'Primeiro, procuro apurar os factos para entender a origem do erro.' It sounds incredibly professional.
The 'C' is not silent in Portugal
In Portugal, if you don't pronounce the 'c' in 'factos', people might think you are talking about 'fatos' (suits).
The 'Apuramento' of the World Cup
In sports, 'apuramento' means 'qualification'. Don't be confused if you see 'Apuramento para o Mundial'—they aren't investigating the World Cup, they are trying to get into it!
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'apurar'.
A polícia ainda está a _______ os factos do assalto.
After 'a' in European Portuguese, we use the infinitive to form the continuous present.
Qual é o contexto mais adequado para usar 'apurar os factos'?
Onde ouviria mais provavelmente esta frase?
'Apurar os factos' is a formal, investigative collocation typical of news and law.
Combine as variações de 'apurar' com os seus significados.
Ligue os pares:
The verb 'apurar' is versatile, but 'factos' always implies investigation.
Complete o diálogo formal.
Diretor: 'O relatório está pronto?' Secretário: 'Ainda não, senhor Diretor. Precisamos de mais tempo para _______.'
In a formal office context in Portugal, 'apurar os factos' is the professional choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Regional Differences
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA polícia ainda está a _______ os factos do assalto.
After 'a' in European Portuguese, we use the infinitive to form the continuous present.
Onde ouviria mais provavelmente esta frase?
'Apurar os factos' is a formal, investigative collocation typical of news and law.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The verb 'apurar' is versatile, but 'factos' always implies investigation.
Diretor: 'O relatório está pronto?' Secretário: 'Ainda não, senhor Diretor. Precisamos de mais tempo para _______.'
In a formal office context in Portugal, 'apurar os factos' is the professional choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'investigar' is more general. 'Apurar os factos' specifically suggests reaching a final, verified conclusion.
No, it is considered a spelling error in Portugal. You must use the 'c'.
Yes, very much so, but spelled 'fatos'. It's a staple of Brazilian news.
There isn't a single verb, but 'ignorar a realidade' or 'espalhar boatos' (spread rumors) are conceptual opposites.
No, you 'apurar' facts, votes, or responsibilities, not people.
Only if the object is 'votos' (votes). With 'factos', it always means 'investigating'.
It's a bit advanced, but using it correctly will make you sound very sophisticated.
You can say 'verificação de factos', but 'apurar os factos' is the action a fact-checker performs.
Rarely. Scientists usually use 'verificar dados' or 'validar hipóteses'.
None! It's a direct object: 'Apurar [alguma coisa]'.
Related Phrases
Apuramento de responsabilidades
builds onDetermining who is to blame.
Verificar a veracidade
synonymTo check the truthfulness.
Investigação a fundo
similarDeep investigation.
Tirar a limpo
similarTo clear something up.
Apurar os votos
specialized formTo count election votes.
