In 15 Seconds
- Means a decision is backed by evidence.
- Used mostly in professional or academic settings.
- Shows you aren't just guessing or being biased.
Meaning
This phrase means that a decision, opinion, or statement is not a random guess, but is firmly supported by a formal review or data analysis.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a corporate meeting
Nossa estratégia de marketing está totalmente embasada em avaliação de mercado.
Our marketing strategy is fully based on market assessment.
Giving feedback to an employee
Seu bônus foi embasado em avaliação de desempenho trimestral.
Your bonus was based on a quarterly performance evaluation.
Choosing a school for a child
Escolhemos essa escola embasados em avaliação do MEC.
We chose this school based on the Ministry of Education's evaluation.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'embasamento' is a obsession in the legal and civil service sectors. If a lawyer's argument lacks 'embasamento', it is dismissed as 'vazio' (empty). Portuguese speakers in Europe might find 'embasado' a bit 'Brazilian' in flavor, often preferring 'fundamentado' in their own formal documents. In Angolan formal Portuguese, especially in state media, 'embasado' is used to show the government's technical competence. In the global Lusophone corporate world, this phrase is the equivalent of 'data-driven', a key value in modern management.
The 'S' vs 'Ç' Trick
Remember: EmbaSado (with S) is for Support. Embaçado (with Ç) is for 'Can't see' (blurry).
Agreement is Key
If you are a woman saying 'I am supported by...', say 'Estou embasada'. If you forget this, you sound like a beginner.
In 15 Seconds
- Means a decision is backed by evidence.
- Used mostly in professional or academic settings.
- Shows you aren't just guessing or being biased.
What It Means
Imagine you are building a house. You need a solid concrete floor first. In Portuguese, embasado is that foundation. When you say something is embasado em avaliação, you are saying your idea has a floor. You aren't just following a 'vibe' or a 'hunch.' You have looked at the facts. You have done the homework. It is the difference between saying 'I think this car is good' and 'I know this car is good because I read the safety reports.'
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to sound like the smartest person in the room. It’s a heavy-duty expression. You usually place it after a decision or a recommendation. For example, if you are a manager, you might say a promotion was embasado em avaliação. It tells everyone that the choice was fair. It wasn't about favoritism. It was about the numbers. You can also use it in your personal life for big choices. Buying a house? Choosing a doctor? Use this to show you were thorough.
When To Use It
This is your best friend in professional settings. Use it during performance reviews or project pitches. It works great in emails when you need to justify a budget cut. It’s also useful in academic writing or legal contexts. If you are debating a serious topic with friends, dropping this phrase can end the argument. It shows you have evidence on your side. It’s the ultimate 'receipt' in a professional conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, everyday things. If your friend asks why you chose chocolate ice cream, don't say it was embasado em avaliação. You will sound like a robot. It’s too stiff for casual hangouts or romantic dates. Avoid it when talking about feelings or intuition. If you say your love for someone is embasado em avaliação, they might think you’re dating them for their spreadsheet skills. Keep it for the serious stuff.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, there is a big cultural push toward 'meritocracia' (meritocracy) in the workplace. People want to feel that decisions are objective. Using words like embasado (grounded) suggests a level of intellectual rigor. It reflects a shift from the old 'jeitinho' (finding a way through favors) to a more data-driven professional culture. It’s a word that commands respect in a boardroom. It signals that you are a serious professional who values logic over gossip.
Common Variations
You might hear people say com base em for a slightly softer touch. Another variation is fundamentado em, which is even more formal. If you want to sound more modern, you could say orientado por dados (data-driven). However, embasado remains the classic way to say 'I have the proof right here.' It’s the gold standard for justifying your actions in a corporate environment.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. Use it in writing or formal speeches to sound authoritative. In casual conversation, it may come across as stiff or overly intellectual.
The 'S' vs 'Ç' Trick
Remember: EmbaSado (with S) is for Support. Embaçado (with Ç) is for 'Can't see' (blurry).
Agreement is Key
If you are a woman saying 'I am supported by...', say 'Estou embasada'. If you forget this, you sound like a beginner.
Examples
6Nossa estratégia de marketing está totalmente embasada em avaliação de mercado.
Our marketing strategy is fully based on market assessment.
This justifies the spending to the bosses.
Seu bônus foi embasado em avaliação de desempenho trimestral.
Your bonus was based on a quarterly performance evaluation.
Shows the bonus was earned through metrics.
Escolhemos essa escola embasados em avaliação do MEC.
We chose this school based on the Ministry of Education's evaluation.
Shows a serious, researched parental decision.
O relatório está pronto e bem embasado em avaliação técnica.
The report is ready and well-grounded in technical assessment.
Assures the colleague the work is high quality.
Minha decisão de não sair mais com ele foi embasada em avaliação de caráter!
My decision to stop dating him was based on a character assessment!
Uses formal language for a funny, dramatic effect.
O tratamento sugerido está embasado em avaliação clínica rigorosa.
The suggested treatment is grounded in rigorous clinical evaluation.
Provides comfort that the medical path is safe.
Test Yourself
Complete with the correct form of 'embasado' and the preposition.
As novas regras estão ________ ________ avaliação do comitê.
'Regras' is feminine plural, and 'avaliação' is feminine singular (em + a = na).
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal job interview?
How would you describe your decision-making process?
This uses the correct formal register and the target phrase perfectly.
Match the phrase variation to the context.
1. Embasado em avaliação | 2. Bati o martelo | 3. Alicerçado em análise
'Embasado' is standard formal BR; 'Bati o martelo' is slang; 'Alicerçado' is more common in PT.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesAs novas regras estão ________ ________ avaliação do comitê.
'Regras' is feminine plural, and 'avaliação' is feminine singular (em + a = na).
How would you describe your decision-making process?
This uses the correct formal register and the target phrase perfectly.
1. Embasado em avaliação | 2. Bati o martelo | 3. Alicerçado em análise
'Embasado' is standard formal BR; 'Bati o martelo' is slang; 'Alicerçado' is more common in PT.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, that's a common mistake. For movies or books, always use 'baseado em'. 'Embasado' is for intellectual or technical support.
Both are correct. 'Em' is the preposition. 'No' is just 'em + o'. Use 'no' if you are referring to a specific masculine evaluation (e.g., 'no relatório').
Yes, but it's less common than in Brazil. In Portugal, you'll hear 'fundamentado' or 'com base em' more often in the same context.
Yes, you can say a person is 'muito embasada', meaning they are very knowledgeable and always have facts to back up what they say.
Related Phrases
Com base em
similarBased on
Fundamentado em
synonymGrounded in
Pautado em
similarGuided by
Ao léu
contrastAt random / without support
